The corruption trial of Mike Mabuyakhulu and his co-accused was rolled over until tomorrow by the Durban High Court due to one of the accused being in hospital.

Mabuyakhulu and 16 others are charged with corruption, theft and money laundering to the value of R28m.

The money was meant to host the North Sea Jazz Festival in 2012. While the festival did not materialise, the money was allegedly paid to the service providers.

Mabuyakhulu was the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in KZN at the time.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara says early last year, the Pietermaritzburg High Court dismissed a Section 342A application by Mabuyakhulu and his co-accused in relation to the criminal matter.

“The application alleged unreasonable delays, however, the court found in favour of the state, saying that the delays were warranted.”

The state alleged that the key role-players are Mabuyakhulu, Department of Economic Development and Tourism head Desmond Golding, Soft Skills Communication 100 CC Shaka Holdings and Maqhoboza Traders CC owner and member Ceaser Mkhize, Soft Skills Communication and Ishashalazi Production CC member Nothando Zungu, and the sole member of Supersize Investment 20 CC, Mabheleni Ntuli.