Stratu & Vatala: submissions to withdraw all charges
Garden Route Municipal Manager Monde Stratu (47) and former Knysna Municipal Manager Sitembele Vatala (56) both made their third appearance in the Knysna Regional Court on Monday 20 November on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering. It was expected that feedback would be given on the submission of formal representations that Stratu's defence made to the Director of Public Prosecutions in September asking that all charges against him be withdrawn.
The matter involves alleged property transfers - or rather the alleged lack thereof - between Knysna and Garden Route District Municipality worth R64m.
"The representations made in September where both factual and in law, and was quite comprehensive – a 22 page document," said Stratu's attorney, Jerome Bans, who appeared for both accused on Monday. "The state was to provide us feedback yesterday, but requested a further postponement.
“The court gave us a lengthy postponement, taking in account the recess. We will be back in court on Friday 23 February next year, and hope to get some feedback from the state with regards to our representation."
Stratu's lawyer also informed the court that they may supply additional representations close to 5 December for further consideration by the state, said the spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority, Eric Ntabazalila. "Bail of both
accused was extended."
Sebastiaan Marx of McWilliams and Elliot Attorneys represents Vatala, advocate Delano Coericius is for the state and the case is heard by Regional Magistrate Eugenia Jacobs.