’I hope that today we will be charged, so we can know what charges we are facing as the politicians because we are not connected to any tenders.’
DURBAN – Former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede said she was hoping for no postponement, adding that court appearances were a financial strain.
Gumede was speaking to the media outside the Durban High Court before her trial, which is expected to begin on Monday.
“We are tired of these ups and downs. Lawyers cost money, also dressing up and coming to court costs. I hope that today we will be charged, so we can know what charges we are facing as the politicians because we are not connected to any tenders,” said Gumede.
She added that the financial strain has led her to making payment arrangements with her lawyers.
“My lawyers and I agreed for me to pay little by little, as this matter has been dragging on. Although I cannot comment any further as the matter is sub judice, I am not okay with these continuous postponements.”
Gumede and 21 others are accused of several charges, including conspiracy to commit corruption, fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.
This is in connection to a waste collection tender amounting to more than R300 million which was issued during Gumede’s tenure as mayor.
