A week has been set aside for the conspiracy to commit murder trial against former Endumeni Mayor, Richard Mbatha, and two co-accused.

Magistrate Shoba this morning ruled in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court that the trial will be heard from August 5-8.

Mr Mbatha, who quit as Mayor of Endumeni in October 2018, is charged along with Estcourt IFP Councillor, Mthembeni Majol, and alleged hitman, Xolani Makhathini, of plotting to kill then Endumeni Speaker and fellow IFP member, Bongiwe Mbatha, following a row over a housing tender.

All three have denied the charges.  The three accused are all represented by Advocate Kay Augustine,

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.

BREAKING: Mayor Mbatha, two others arrested for conspiracy

UPDATE: The case against Mayor Mbatha has been postponed …
“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.”
“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,” Advocate Augustine  told the Court.

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