Long awaited trial dates set for IFP case
The much-anticipated trial dates have been set for August in the IFP Case
Magistrate Shoba has just reserved an entire week for the trial of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) duo and co-accused’s case.
READ MORE: UPDATE: Uncertainty in Estcourt Regional Court over IFP case
IFP Councillor Mthembeni Majola, former Endumeni (Dundee) Local Municipality Mayor Richard Mbatha and alleged hit man, Xolani Makhathini each face two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, had their pre-trial conference heard before the Estcourt Regional Court.
State Prosecutor Ms Nel from Bergville has since provided Advocate Augustine copies of the docket as well as the audio recording.
“The state will not make use of the audio recording as there is nothing that refers to conspiracy,” stated Advocate Augustine.
Magistrate Shoba asked if there was any conflict of interest and Advocate Augustine answered no. She added that she will be representing the trio of accused and they will plead not guilty.
“I would like for the state to inform me as to which witnesses the state will be calling and I would like copies of the tenders which refer to Endumeni (Dundee) Local Municipal Speaker, Bongiwe Mbatha,” requested Advocate Augustine.
Magistrate Shoba wanted to know if there were any admissions to be made at this stage to which Advocate Augustine responded:
“my clients wish to proudly state that they are IFP members.”
Mthembeni Majola is a councillor, Richard Mbatha is the former mayor of Endumeni (Dundee) Local Municipality and Xolani Makhathini is an IFP member.
“I am putting this on record because I know that the state will come up with a photo of the accused meeting together, there is no crime in this. If this is brought up I want to know which section does it state that IFP members are prohibited to meet so I can prepare for trail,” announced Advocate Augustine.
The 5,6, 7 and 8of August has been set aside for the trial.
Read the full story in next weeks edition of the Estcourt News.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Pre-trial conference moved to next year in IFP case
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