The NPA has added additional charges of racketeering against former eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede and her 21 other co-accused, which could equate to a 25-year sentence.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has added charges of racketeering against former eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede in her ongoing case versus the state. The new charges laid against Gumede will be in addition to the already existing 2 000 corruption charges against her and her 21 co-accused. Gumede appeared at the Durban High Court on Monday, 14 June 2021.
The state, represented by Senior State Advocate Ashika Lucken, submitted an amended indictment to the court with the addition of racketeering charges against the former mayor. The matter has, however, been postponed to Tuesday, 30 November 2021, for request and response to further particulars by the parties.
The court has set down a possible trial commencement date for Monday, 18 July 2022. Gumede is one of the 22 accused of numerous corruption cases, and now racketeering, which could amount to a 25-year sentence. The National Director of Public Prosecution, Shamila Batohi has reportedly authorised the addition of the new charges against Gumede and her co-accused. The NPA has said that it is confident in its case against all the accused. Supporters gathered in their numbers outside the court to express their support for the accused.
See the post below.
KZN: The NPA has added charges of racketeering on the State v Gumede case. pic.twitter.com/URUs9xydH2
— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) June 14, 2021
