Durban — Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, the director-general (DG) in the office of the KwaZulu-Natal premier, and her accomplice indicated they intended pleading not guilty to charges in relation to fraud charges to the value of R37 million at Mhlathuze Water.
Mkhize and her co-accused, Simphiwe Mabaso, Sthembiso Ralph Mhlanga and Mthokozisi Pius Duze, appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court for bail applications on Wednesday.
Mkhize, Mabaso, Mhlanga and Duze are charged with intimidation, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, and fraud.
On Tuesday, the group’s matter was rolled over to on Wednesday, while the two other accused, Babongile Mnyandu and Thabiso Khumalo, were granted bail. State prosecutor Advocate Mlungisi Magwanyana on Wednesday argued that the suspects would continue to interfere with the witnesses if granted bail.
“The State has to oppose bail for all four accused due to the fact there is evidence and a docket opened for them because they are involved, or charged with intimidation, defeating ends of justice and fraud. The accused has already inferred. It is for these reasons that the State has to oppose bail,” said Magwanyana.
However, in the affidavit read out in court, Mkhize said that she last spoke to Shange in 201 when Mabaso required her number.
“In 2018 I sat on the panel and interviewed Ms Shange for her appointment as chairperson of the water board. In February, on a date I cannot recall, I was approached by Mabaso, who enquired if I knew the chairperson of the Mhlathuze Water Board.
“I telephoned Shange and enquired if she would be comfortable with me forwarding her number to Mabaso. She agreed that I could forward her number.
“I did not introduce Mabaso to her as a member of the National Intelligence Agency. This was the only time I spoke to Shange.
“I never spoke to her again,” read the affidavit.
It was further stated in Mkhize’s affidavit that in July she came across Shange and they boarded the same flight, however, Shange did not agree to a suggestion that Mabaso had intimidated her.
It was further stated that the State’s case in opposing her bail application was based on falsehoods and conjecture.
In the affidavit, Duze denied the allegations against him, adding that he would be pleading not guilty.
Duze denied threatening employees of Mhlathuze Water, forensic investigator Ngubane and Company and making contact with Shange.
Meanwhile, Mabaso also denied hampering the police investigation, delaying or frustrating the investigation, or the administration of Justice.
Judge Garth Davis adjourned their bail application to Thursday.
Daily News