Corruption Charges Against ANC Amathole Regional Secretary And Co-Accused Reinstated

The charges against ANC Amathole Regional Secretary Thembalethu “Teris” Ntutu, and 17 others, including businesspeople and their companies, as well as former and current employees of Mnquma Local Municipality, have been reinstated.  Fifteen of the accused briefly appeared in the High Court of South Africa: Eastern Cape Division, sitting in Mthatha, today and the case was adjourned to 09 September 2022, for cash-flow management.

The accused, namely: Theory Mhlangabezi Mbandamana, Big Event Boy (PTY) LTD, Ntutu, Zanele Patience Mbewu, Regis Masuku, RPS Engineering CC Ilangabi, Luleka Nonyongo, Lubabalo Majingolo, Amanda Ntamo, Dunyiswa Olga Mrwetyana, Viwe Phindile Madolo, Sakhumzi Mxiwodumo Madubela, Lusindiso Patric Boya, Kulile Clock, Primrose Vuyokazi Zameka Ganya, Grase Tasana, and Ivi Sikhulu Nqwena, face charges of corruption and contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act.

The charges relate to the irregular awarding of contracts and the gratifications received by some of the accused persons. The contracts in question are over R24 million Turnkey electrification project, awarded to RPS Engineering CC/RPS Ilangabi, and the supply and delivery of cleaning equipment for one year, awarded to Big Event Boy, to the value of R10 million, by Mnquma Municipality.

The case first appeared on 16 February 2017, and it was postponed numerous times, not at the instance of the state. However, the case was struck off the court roll last year, the state was to reinstate it in April this year, however, the accused successfully challenged it on a technicality, that the summons were not properly served on them, as they were signed by the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, instead of the Director of Public Prosecutions.,

When the case was re-enrolled today, three accused persons; Masuku, Tasana and Nqwena, were not present in court and warrants of their arrest were issued, but stayed until the next sitting.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 0475012630

Cell: 0735559292

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za