RISKS assessments for the state witnesses in the trial of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede are currently underway.
This is according to the state prosecutor Ashika Lucken.
The risk assessments are to evaluate the risks of imminent danger on the witnesses. Gumede and others including the former city manager Sipho Nzuza appeared in the Durban High Court on Wednesday, 26 July.
They face charges of money laundering, fraud and corruption in relation to the Durban Solid Waste tender of more than R300 million.
On Monday, 24 July, Lucken told the court that a witness who was supposed to testify couldn't make it as her home was shot at on Saturday, 22 July.
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Lucken said the witness, who is an eThekwini Municipality worker, was not in a state to testify as she feared for her life. Lucken further revealed that other witnesses were also fearing for their lives. Prosecutor Lucken said all the witnesses are municipality workers.
On Wednesday, 26 July, the state gave an update following Monday's adjournment.
State prosecutor Lucken said she had advised the defence that the investigating officer was busy with the risk assessment.
"We are now waiting to do necessary engagements with the heads of police in KZN and then to update the state so that I could do further my consultations with the witnesses with regards to the risks assessment and measures that need to be put in place," said Lucken.
She said following her consultation with the defence and with the court in chambers on Wednesday, 26 July, they reached a consensus that the matter be heard on Monday, 31 July.
She said the defence's biggest concern was the waste of the court's time.
But Judge Sharmaine Balton adjourned the matter to Monday, 31 July for continuation of the trial.
