Another trial- within-a-trial proposed for Gumede fraud case

THE State suggested, yesterday, that a trial-within-atrial be held by the court to determine whether the forensic investigations company that investigated and raised serious fraud and corruption allegations against former eThekwini mayor Gumede and others was irregularly appointed or not.

- NOMONDE ZONDI

The forensic company in question is Integrity Forensic Solutions CC (IFS).

IFS was appointed by eThekwini's CIIU (City Integrity and Investigations Unit) to investigate irregularities in the R320 million Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender.

They eventually compiled the report that led to Gumede and her 21 co-accused being charged for fraud, corruption, and racketeering, among other charges, linked to DSW-related tenders

Advocate Jay Naidoo SC, representing Gumede, was cross-examining a state witness, a former CIIU member of management, when State prosecutor Reshma Athmaram objected to his questionsregarding IFS' date of appointment by the municipality. She further objected to references made to the Masama Report, which subsequently found that IFS was allegedly unlawfully appointed.