Taxi boss convicted in Madiba funeral scam case
East London Magistrate Fezeka Monakali issued the first conviction in the Nelson Mandela memorial funding scandal this week and set the stage for dramatic testimony next year, according to a Daily Dispatch report.
Claims of deaths threats emerged from taxi businessman Mzwandile Sokwali, whose wife Busisiwe Boti was let off on all charges. The two were arrested early this year after their company, Victory Ticket 750cc, received R5.9m from Buffalo City Metro, to transport mourners to various state services following Mandela's death. The Dispatch says it uncovered evidence that showed much of the money was misspent. Following a series of news reports, Hawks investigators arrested senior metro officials, among them Mayor Zukisa Ncitha and council Speaker Luleka Simon-Ndzele. The report says on Monday, Sokwali - who pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering - and his wife entered into a plea bargain with the state. The magistrate acquitted Boti and found Sokwali and their company, Victory Ticket, guilty. 'I find Victory Ticket guilty as charged and fine them R100 000, with R50 000 of it suspended. Also, (Sokwali) is sentenced to five years in prison, which is wholly suspended for five years,' said Monakali. The report adds Sokwali told the court he was threatened with harm if he did not transfer the money as instructed by ANC regional secretary Phumlani Mkolo to a list of beneficiaries. 'As a result, he transferred the monies,' his lawyer said.
Full Daily Dispatch report (subscription needed)
One of the Buffalo City officials accused of being involved in fraudulent behaviour was allegedly bullied into signing forms and threatened at a set of traffic lights in East London, according to a City Press report. It says this was revealed in documents that were recently handed to lawyers who are involved in the trial. City Press says it has seen a report Ondela Mahlangu, acting director of support services at the municipality, Mahlangu sent to city manager Andile Fani on 29 January in which she talks about how she was allegedly pressured by colleagues into signing documents. Mahlangu's report to Fani is among documents which have been handed to defence lawyers so they can prepare for the trial, which starts on 7 April, the report states. It says Advocate Matthew Mpahlwa, for the accused, confirmed he'd received the docket, but would not discuss its contents.
Full City Press report