Mkolo’s ‘funeral fraud’ trial to begin next year

FULL SUPPORT: Pumlani Mkolo is surrounded by his supporters outside the East London Magistrate’s Court Picture: ZWANGA MUKHUTHU
FULL SUPPORT: Pumlani Mkolo is surrounded by his supporters outside the East London Magistrate’s Court Picture: ZWANGA MUKHUTHU
Suspended Dr WB Rubusana ANC regional secretary Pumlani Mkolo will go on trial next year for his alleged role in the Nelson Mandela funeral fraud scandal.

The powerful politician faces the charges alongside his girlfriend, Zintle Nkuhlu, and mother of his child, Nosiphiwo Mati.

The state announced yesterday it would try the trio separately from the other seven co-accused, namely former Buffalo City Metro mayor Zukiswa Ncitha, her former deputy Temba Tinta, former council speaker Luleka Simon-Ndzele, councillor Sindiswa Gomba, senior BCM official Ondela Mahlangu, businesswoman Viwe Vazi and businessman Dean Fanoe. The seven will be tried together.

East London regional magistrate Sadia Jacobs granted the separation of trial.

She said a trial date would be set on January 29 next year provided the state had furnished the defence with copies of the charge sheet and further particulars by December 1.

Separations of trial occur mainly when the accused do not all face the same charges although the state alleges a common purpose, and when there exists a great deal of overlap which must be decided by considering the different degrees of alleged criminality.

The accused face charges relating to the misuse of millions of rands earmarked for the late president’s memorial services and funeral in December 2013.

Nkuhlu is said to have received R350000 from the funds. Mati was reported to have received R100000.

Vazi is alleged to have received R899000 and Fanoe R1.38-million.

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