The key witness in the fraud case against eThekwini's former mayor, Zandile Gumede, has finally concluded his testimony. On the left is her spokesperson, Siphelele Jiyane.
A key State witness in the R320 million Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender corruption trial involving former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede and 21 others finally concluded his testimony at the Durban High Court on Wednesday after spending nearly three years on the witness stand.
The witness, who cannot be named, was a member of management at eThekwini Municipality’s City Integrity and Investigations Unit (CIIU) and was the first witness called by the State when the trial commenced.
However, his cross-examination was repeatedly delayed over the years for various reasons, including his sickness.
In November 2025, Advocate Jimmy Howse SC was cross-examining the witness when proceedings were suddenly paused and all counsel retired to the Judge’s chambers and, after what appeared to be a lengthy meeting, the witness was instructed to return in 2026 to conclude his cross-examination.
