JUSTICE is being delayed purposefully.
This is what the spokesman for former eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede, said outside the Durban High Court on Friday, 6 October, where Gumede and her co-accused, including former city manager Sipho Nzuza appeared.
But the matter was once again postponed.
The state prosecutor, Ashika Lucken told the court that accused nine Cynthia Nzuza, who is Nzuza's wife, hadn't received legal representation yet.
She said her application for legal aid is being fast tracked and there have been requests for further documentation from her.
Judge Sharmaine Balton 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 the legal board will be present on Monday, 9 October. Legal representation is important," she said.
During the last appearance, accused number nine was given documents to go through in order to prepare herself for the matter as she was asked to represent herself going forward. But there was a turn of events on Friday as the matter was rolled over.
Meanwhile, this didn't sit well with some of the accused.
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Gumede's spokesman Siphelele Jiyane said the matter is just being delayed.
"Previously during the matter, the judge made it clear that she will not allow anymore delays in the matter. On Monday, 2 October, she asked accused 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," he said.
He said these are just delaying tactics and that the matter has been on for six years now. He said the matter is being prolonged intentionally.
"If we say we're fighting for justice, the case should be closed by now," he said.
Gumede and others face charges of money laundering, fraud and corruption in relation to the Durban Solid Waste tender (DSW) of more than R300 million. The state witness, who is a retired head of DSW, was supposed to continue testifying, but he didn't as the matter was adjourned to Monday.
