KEY POINTS
- Zandile Gumede says she is using her pension to cover legal fees.
- Co-accused also face financial strain as the case drags on.
- The accused have delayed the trial due to disputes over legal fees.
Former eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede has revealed that she is using her pension funds to pay for legal fees as her long-running corruption trial continues.
Gumede, who is facing charges of money laundering, racketeering, and fraud related to an R300 million Durban Solid Waste tender, says the legal process has left her financially and emotionally drained.
On Monday, the court postponed her trial at the Durban High Court. This happened after one of her co-accused, former eThekwini councilor Mthokozisi Nojiyeza, failed to pay his legal representative.
The presiding judge warned Nojiyeza that if he could not resolve his legal fee issues, he would have to represent himself when the case resumes.
Gumede, appearing visibly exhausted outside the courtroom, described the seven-year-long legal battle as a financial burden, saying:
“One of us is facing financial challenges, but it is a problem we are all dealing with. Mine is even worse because a portion of my pension was deposited into Ithala Bank, and I cannot access it.”
Co-accused also struggle with legal fees
Gumede is not the only defendant facing financial hardship. Bhekokwakhe Welcome Phewa, one of the 21 co-accused, admitted that he might soon have to use his pension funds to cover legal expenses.
“We will be left with nothing,” Phewa said, expressing concerns about the impact of the case on his financial stability.
Meanwhile, the job search becomes challenging for former City Manager Sipho Nzuza, who stands accused while waiting for his court procedures to finish.
“I’m not working, and I can’t seek employment because I have this case hanging over me. People don’t want to hire someone with an unresolved legal issue,” Nzuza explained.
The case has faced numerous delays, adding to the financial strain on the accused.
The prosecution alleged that Gumede and her co-accused benefited from funds linked to the fraudulent tender.
They reported that R198,514.42 ($10,756) was deposited into her account. This deposit came through Ilanga LaMahlase Pty (LTD), one of the companies involved in the case.
Trial delays and ongoing controversy
As the case drags on, Gumede has voiced her frustration. She said that the constant postponements are affecting her health and well-being.
“This case is draining me. Justice is not being served. I can’t sleep because of stress,” she said.
According to IOL, they expect the trial to resume on Wednesday. They anticipate that Nojiyeza will resolve his legal fee issues before the next hearing.
The ongoing legal financial stress experienced by several defendants might result in further delays.
As a previous ANC official, Gumede declares her innocence regarding the charges. She insists that the case is politically motivated.
