KING WILLIAMS TOWN – The case against the 17 accused implicated in the corruption, Fraud, Money Laundering and Contravention of Section 173(3) of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 case involving politicians, private companies and municipal officials of the Mnquma Local Municipality in Butterworth was re-instated.

On 16 August 2021, the Director for Public Prosecution (DPP) issued a certificate on the order of the judge on 06 August 2021 to re-instate the case and summons and indictments were served on all accused to appear in the Mthatha High court on 5 October 2021 on charges of Fraud, Money Laundering and contravention of Section 173(3) of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003. The accused are facing charges of fraud and corruption relating to a R10 million black plastic bag tender the Mnquma municipality awarded to the late Eastern Cape businessman, Sive Nombembe’s company.

All accused except Mr Tembalethu Ntutu and Mr Regis Masuku appeared in court. These two accused through their legal representative brought an application to contest the summons inferring that it was defective and wanted the court to set aside the summons and the return of service.

The case was postponed to 29 November 2021 for all of the accused to be present.

Source: South African Police Service