Gumede trial only likely to get underway next year

They collectively face over 2 700 fraud and corruption-related charges in relation to a multi-million rand Durban Solid Waste tender. 

The trial was set to begin last month in the Durban High Court, but it came to light that three of the suspects were unable to pay their attorneys. 

It was hoped that the trial would begin on Monday.

The attorney representing accused number 15, Bongani Dlomo, accused number 16, Khoboso Dlomo and their company which is accused number 17, told the court that he would be withdrawing from the case as his clients did not have the finance to pay him for the duration of the trial leaving the two at the mercy of a pending legal aid application.

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Judge Sharmaine Balton then turned to Dlomo's exiting attorney Carl van de Merwe, and said she hoped that this wasn't just another delay tactic to which he responded was not the case. 

Gumede's attorney Jay Naicker told the court they are ready to proceed with trial and if a solution could not be reached for Dlomo, the trials should be separated.

But the State argued told the court they believe the consideration to be premature at this stage. 

Judge Balton then told the court that the first session of the trial was meant to be concluded on 12 August 2022, meaning it is now likely to only get underway next year.

The matter was postponed to 11 August for the outcome of the legal aid applications.