Series of delays postpone ex- mayor Nomagugu Luzulane’s trial

The trial of former Ingwe mayor Nomagugu Luzulane was postponed due to a number of technical issues.

Traffic and no Zulu interpreter are among issues faced during the trial

Reports stated that traffic, technical glitches in recording machines and the unavailability of a Zulu interpreter halted the proceedings. The 43-year-old former mayor is facing a number of charges that relate to the theft of R71 500 during her time as mayor of Ingwe in 2012.

Luzulane is also accused of working with other people to order sound systems, catering, food parcels and chairs under a Government programme to assist victims of abuse (also known as operation MBO), reports TimesLIVE.

Luzulane currently works in a teaching position

The items were used for a private function and not a legitimate municipal one. She is also facing a corruption charge for allegedly accepting a R50 000 bribe. This charge was reportedly withdrawn after the state witness passed away.

Luzulane has taken up a teaching position as of late. The case has been postponed to 27 October.

Zandile Gumede: Fraud and corruption trial adjourned for plea

In other news, it was reported that the fraud and corruption trial of Zandile Gumede and 21 others was adjourned on Thursday, 11 August. Gumede and her co-accused were back in court on 11 August following a number of delays.

Some of the accused cited financial issues while others noted they have battled to secure legal representation. Three of the accused, who previously caused delays in the case due to their lawyer withdrawing, arrived with new legal representation. Mlamli Magigaba presented himself, on the record, as the private attorney for accused 15, 16 and 17.

The accused appeared in court again on 22 August where the former eThekwini mayor pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and racketeering. The trial for Gumede and her co-accused will begin in March at the Durban High Court. Read the full story here.