Zizi Kodwa's legal team frustrated by delays in corruption case
Kodwa’s lawyer Zola Majavu said they are ready to go trial and have no intent on joining the application of accused number one MacKay to have all the charges dropped.
Former Department of Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 5 June 2024, on corruption charges. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The legal team of former African National Congress (ANC) national spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa, have expressed frustration over delays in his corruption case.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kodwa made a brief appearance at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court alongside his co-accused Jehan Mackay.
It’s alleged between 2014 and 2016 Kodwa received kickbacks amounting to R1.7 million from Mackay.
In exchange, the State claims Kodwa used his influence within the governing party to direct tenders towards Mackay’s information technology company, Enterprise Outsourcing Holdings.
READ: Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa resigns with immediate effect
During his previous appearance, Kodwa’s lawyers requested further particulars from the State, which the State provided.
Kodwa’s lawyer Zola Majavu said they are ready to go trial and have no intent on joining the application of accused number one - MacKay - to have all the charges dropped.
“These allegations hanging over his head are damaging to him reputationally, politically and just as a human being but be that as it may, he does not locate himself above the law so we are happy due process is unfolding.”
Jehan Mackay’s legal reps said they will be escalating his application of withdrawal of charges, to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 21, 2024
Zizi Kodwa’s legal said they are ready to proceed to trial & won’t join Mackay’s app.
Matter adjourned to 10 September for DPP decision. TCG pic.twitter.com/tQUZWJyVZq
NPA CONFIDENT ON EVIDENCE IS HAS ALLOCATED
This case is one of the latest high-profile matters emanating from the State capture commission.
While there have been several high-profile arrests from the national prosecuting authority, they have not materialised in any convictions yet.
Instead, the Estina dairy farm matter involving the Guptas and the corruption case involving former Eskom boss Matshela Koko have both been struck off the court roll for lack of evidence.
Gauteng’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)'s spokesperson – Phindi Mjonondwane – says the State is confident in the evidence it has collected.
“We can confirm as the NPA, we are ready to commence with trial, we have sufficient evidence we can present before court and the court acting reasonably and applying its mind to the fact before it can be able to reach its conclusion.”
The matter has been postponed to 10 September for a decision from the National Director of Public Prosecutions on Mackay’s application to have all the charges against him dropped.