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Durban – There was a notable absence of ANC insignia among land supporters of former eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede outside the Durban Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday.
At 9 am, a large white tent was empty with only sound technicians manning a public address system (from a mobile stage) that was playing Struggle songs.
During the previous appearance on September 10 this year, despite Covid-19 restrictions prohibiting large gatherings, around 5,000 supporters invaded the pitch.
This time, Gumede only received the support of a few people, including his supporters’ spokesman, Mzomuhle Dube, and his longtime confidant Lindani Sicwala.
Also present was Musa Nciki, Gumede’s running mate (he’s running for the post of regional secretary under Gumede’s roster) from the ANC on eThekwini. Former uMsunduzi deputy mayor Thobani Zuma was seen welcoming Gumede as she got out of the car.
Gumede and his 17 co-defendants, including suspended eThekwini City Manager Sipho Nzuza and his wife Bagcinele and ANC Senior Councilor Mondli Mthembu, face charges linked to a R430 million waste tender issued by the eThekwini Municipality in 2017 while she was mayoress.
The state has refused to disclose its preparedness.
KZN Public Ministry Director, defender Elaine Zungu, said they would reveal it when the matter was heard in court.
“Since the last time, (when) we requested a postponement for the completion of the investigations that included mostly the forensic report, we will indicate to the court only if it is finalized or not, on December 10,” he said.
When the matter became known on September 10, State Attorney Ashiken Lucken pleaded for a stay before Magistrate Dawn Somaroo, saying the state wanted to finalize a forensic report that was key to her case.
Political Bureau
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