In the ongoing and controversial corruption trial of Zandile Gumede, a fresh revelation has surfaced that could potentially impact the state’s case against her. It emerged that certain original documents pivotal to the case were unfortunately destroyed during recent floods. This unexpected development introduces an added layer of complexity, potentially affecting the outcome.
A senior Durban Solid Waste (DSW) official, while testifying in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, elaborated on the chaos back in December 2017 when a slew of contracts ended abruptly. Particularly in Umlazi, the lack of timely renewals led to a significant drop in service quality. The main question that arose was why, during this chaotic period, his subordinate, accused Robert Abbu, was fast-tracking new contracts under an emergency clause, bypassing standard procedures.
These new contracts are now under scrutiny, forming the core of the corruption charges against Gumede and her associates. The trial reveals an intricate web where roles, responsibilities, and decision-making powers were shuffled, especially with Abbu’s unexpected promotion.
The trail also shed light on the hostile environment in Umlazi during that period. The township, awash with garbage, saw municipal staff being threatened, often at gunpoint, leading to a significant decline in services by January 2018. As the new contractors, who are also implicated in the trial, took over, situations worsened. In some instances, municipal staff were instructed to dump trash after collection.
But amid these details, the information about flood-destroyed documents could be a game-changer. Such incidents, especially in high-profile corruption cases, often lead to speculation about whether the destruction was merely coincidental or orchestrated. If these documents held evidence against Gumede, their absence could create gaps in the prosecution’s case.
Gumede, along with 21 others, is accused of diverting R320 million of public funds from the DSW unit. Allegations suggest Gumede orchestrated the fraudulent redirection of these funds to contractors, political allies, and even the MKMVA. Despite her arrest and subsequent resignation as mayor, Gumede’s political influence within the ANC seems undiminished. Her recent victory in the party’s eThekwini regional conference is a testament to that. However, she chose not to take up the role of chairperson in the eThekwini region.
The trial, already rife with political undertones and allegations of deep-seated corruption, now faces the challenge of navigating through the murky waters of lost evidence. As the proceedings continue, the impact of this loss will be closely watched.