The Nelson Mandela memorial fraud trial got off to a late start in the East London regional court today as lawyers for the accused, including BCM mayor Zukiswa Ncitha, waited for amended charge sheets from the prosecutor.A broken recording device also caused the trial to be moved to another court room.
A large group of supporters packed the court room, with hundreds milling around outside the building.
Police were out in full force, with special security checks at the entrance to the court and passages sealed off.
Ncitha, her deputy, Themba Tinta, regional ANC secretary Pumlani Mkolo and six other accused face charges relating to R5.9-million of BCM funds intended to pay for taxi transport to the memorial service for former president Nelson Mandela but which was allegedly siphoned off in a wholesale fraud.
Taxi boss Mzwandile Sokwali has already been convicted and fined for his role in the scam.
Sokwali's evidence is expected to be key to the prosecution of Ncitha and her co -accused. The trial has been set down for three weeks.
Late start for Mandela funeral trial
A broken recording device also caused the trial to be moved to another court room.
A large group of supporters packed the court room, with hundreds milling around outside the building.
Police were out in full force, with special security checks at the entrance to the court and passages sealed off.
Ncitha, her deputy, Themba Tinta, regional ANC secretary Pumlani Mkolo and six other accused face charges relating to R5.9-million of BCM funds intended to pay for taxi transport to the memorial service for former president Nelson Mandela but which was allegedly siphoned off in a wholesale fraud.
Taxi boss Mzwandile Sokwali has already been convicted and fined for his role in the scam.
Sokwali's evidence is expected to be key to the prosecution of Ncitha and her co -accused. The trial has been set down for three weeks.
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