Mabuyakhulu asks to go it alone in court
EX-MEC faces graft and money laundering charges
ANC deputy chairperson in KwaZuluNatal Mike Mabuyakhulu will be making an application to the head of the Specialised Crimes Unit for his case to be heard separately from that of his coaccused to minimise political fallout.
Mabuyakhulu and Durban businessman Mabheleni Ntuli were cited as two of the five main role players in a fraud‚ corruption and money laundering case relating to a failed jazz festival five years ago that cost taxpayers R28-million.
The other main alleged conspirators are Desmond Golding‚ the former head of the KwaZulu-Natal department of economic development and tourism; Caesar Walter Mkhize‚ the owner of Soft Skills Communications, Maqhoboza Traders and Shaka Holdings; and Nothando Zungu‚ a member of Soft Skills Communications and sole member of Ishashalazi Productions.
It is alleged that during his tenure as MEC for economic development‚ Mabuyakhulu had directed millions into the accounts of his co-accused and nine other companies and businessmen for which he allegedly received kickbacks.
During his brief appearance in the Durban Commercial Crime Court on Wednesday‚ Mabuyakhulu’s lawyer Advocate Jimmy Howse appealed to the state to respond to their request for particulars filed in August last year.
Howse said: “My client plans on making an application to the head of the Specialised Crimes Unit for his matter to be heard separately. He only faces six of the 77 charges. He has been drawn into a massive matter for his small role. This case will have profound prejudicial effects on my client because of his political standing.”
However, the state said it would only be able to respond after all the coaccused had entered their particulars.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Kara said: “The request of particulars could be anything pertaining to the case or any queries or questions the accused and their lawyers might have about the case.”
The matter will be back in court on October 16. –