PRETORIA – Sipho Nzuza is appearing today in the Durban Commercial Crimes Court on charges of contravening his bail conditions as set out when he was arrested on the 10 March 2020 by the Hawks National Clean Audit Task Team which has been appointed to investigate various allegations of fraud and corruption amounting to the loss of millions of rands within eThekwini Municipality.
Nzuza appeared in court where he was granted bail of R50 000-00 with strict bail conditions. He was then released on bail with conditions which states specifically:
– That the accused may not contact or communicate in any way, whether directly or indirectly with witnesses relating to the audit trail of the DSW – Ethekwini Tender;
– Refrain from involvement with the disciplinary processes of officials charged in relation to this investigation;
– Not participate directly or influence in any tender process during the duration of the investigation, and further that his powers as Accounting officer in relation to tender processes must be delegated in terms of Section 79 read with 77, section 106 of MFMA 56 OF 2003.
The National Clean AUDIT Task Team deployed in KwaZulu Natal became aware that Nzuza was placed on special leave by the Ethekwini Municipality and that upon his return from leave of absence, he engaged in certain actions which were in bridge of his bail conditions. The Team immediately initiated investigations into this matter which amounted to conduct which clearly indicated that Nzuza violated the bail conditions issued to him.
The charges preferred at this stage relating to the matter are fraud, money-laundering, Contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act, Contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and Contravention of the Local Government Municipal Act.
