Former eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede back in court today

Former eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede and 21 others are expected to appear before the High Court in Durban on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering charges relating to a multi-million-rand solid waste tender.

During the court proceedings on Monday, Judge Charmaine Bolton issued a stern warning to the legal representatives of the accused, against withdrawing in the middle of the trial. This is after Gumede’s legal team withdrew from the case because they had not been paid. Judge Bolton said she would not allow any further delays.  “As regards to all the letters I have received about withdrawals by attorneys and council, I just want to place on record that you are not going to easily get that the withdrawal from this court.

“So, it’s just so this is just a warning in advance that you are going to proceed with the matter whether you like it or not, unless you make other arrangements but this court is not going to adjourn for reasons that attorneys have not been placed in funds and that clients and suddenly applications for withdrawal,” said Judge Bolton.