THE corruption trial of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede and co-accused, including former city manager Sipho Nzuza, is back in the Durban High Court on Monday, 9 October.
Gumede and co-accused face charges of money laundering, fraud and corruption in relation to the Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender of more than R300 million.
During Monday's proceedings, it will be established if the legal aid application by Nzuza's wife, Cynthia Nzuza, will be approved or not.
There might also be a postponement even if legal aid approves the application because the new lawyer will have to go through the documents and be updated on the matter.
Cynthia had applied for legal aid after she told the court on Monday, 2 October that she didn't have representation as she could no longer afford one.
But she was told that she didn't meet the criteria to be given legal aid.
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Judge Sharmaine Balton told Cynthia that she couldn't afford any delays in the matter and asked her to represent herself. Cynthia was given documents by the state prosecutor, Ashika Lucken so that she could prepare herself.
But on Friday, 6 October, Balton postponed the matter in order to wait for the legal aid application. There was another legal application that was made for Cynthia.
Lucken said Cynthia's application for legal aid is being fast tracked and there have been requests for further documentation from her. Balton then said the best option is for the matter to roll over to Monday, 9 October.
"The appeal board still has to consider the matter. There's also no guarantee that legal board will be present on Monday, 9 October. Legal representation is important," she said.
The postponement of this matter made Gumede unhappy.
Her spokesman, Siphelele Jiyane, said: "Previously during the matter, the judge made it clear that she will not allow any more delays in the matter. On Monday, 2 October, she asked accused number nine to represent herself because she didn't have representation and the matter proceeded. Now today she comes back and says the matter should roll over to Monday."
