The defence in the R7.8 million fraud case has argued that a service provider did not influence the decision to continue rendering services to the Newcastle Municipality in 2018.
The defence in the R7.8 million fraud case involving former senior officials of the Newcastle Municipality has argued that the service provider at the centre of the matter neither paid bribes nor improperly influenced the municipality’s decision to continue using its services in 2018.
This was placed on record by Advocate Credo Mlaba during proceedings in the Durban Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday afternoon. Mlaba represents Bonakude Consulting (Pty) Ltd and its sole director, Velenkosini Mtshali.
During cross-examination, Hawks investigating officer Captain Jacqueline Fourie confirmed that it is not the State’s case that Mtshali bribed his co-accused, former Newcastle municipal manager Bhekani Mswane and former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Bhekisisa Hlongwa.
The State alleges that Bonakude Consulting continued to provide services to the municipality after its contract expired on 31 December 2017. Following a meeting in January 2018, municipal officials, including Mswane, allegedly decided that the company was still required to render services.
