The theft trial against Walter Sisulu University student Sibongile Mani will officially start next month. East London magistrate Nomthandazo Vabaza has set the trial date for January 18.
Mani appeared before Vabaza on Thursday in connection with R14 million National Student Financial Aid Scheme money that was "erroneously" transferred into her student account on June 1 2017.
Mani stands accused of stealing R810 000 of the windfall before the error was noticed by NSFAS. Mani's lawyer Asanda Pakade and state prosecutor Advocate Luthando Makoyi told Vabaza that they were ready for the trial.
Vabaza told both parties to have a pre-trial conference a week before the trial date to discuss and iron out any conflicts that may arise during the trial and potentially cause further delays.Mani made a stylish appearance sporting cornrows and dressed in maroon pants and a white shirt.
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