Trial of J.B. Marks trio starts next week

The trial of the former executive mayor of J.B. Marks municipality, Kgotso Khumalo, and two other municipal officials, Cyril Henry and Mohau Shuping is set to start in the Ventersdorp regional court on Monday, 11 October. “We are hopeful that the accountability in the municipality will be restored. Public funds earmarked for the upliftment of the community and service delivery should actually reach its intended destination and not flow into the pockets of an exclusive elite,” says Chris Hattingh, DA councillor in the J.B. Marks municipality.

Almost two years ago, the DA questioned the expenses of an exorbitantly costly weekend that a few municipal officials attended. It included a visit to the very posh Durban July, funded with public money unlawfully hoarded in a trust account at a local law firm.

“Most of the affidavits required from municipal officials could only be obtained after Section 205 (of the Criminal Procedures Act) subpoenas had to be served on these officials,” Hattingh said.

Three court dates have also been reserved for November and December, during which over 20 state witnesses are expected to testify.