NPA cool on ire over VBS saga’s glacial pace
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that the trial of those charged in the alleged R2.3-billion VBS Mutual Bank heist which could start this year or early in 2022 will likely be prolonged and run for more than four months.
The NPA has disputed claims that any delays in finalising the saga were down to the ineptitude of its prosecutors, and denied that the trial would begin only next year.
Mail & Guardian this week that, according to three highly placed sources, the trial of the seven VBS executives and directors as well as three others who the NPA said had yet to be arrested would begin only early in 2022.
VBS case delays cause massive frustration
26 Jan 2021
Frustration reigned at the R2.3-billion VBS Mutual Bank heist court case after another postponement, with one of the accused’s lawyers arguing that his client was suffering financial prejudice because of the state’s alleged ineptitude.
Frustration reigned at the R2.3-billion VBS Mutual Bank heist court case after another postponement, with one of the accused’s lawyers arguing that his client was suffering financial prejudice because of the state’s alleged ineptitude.
The angst followed state advocate Hein van der Merwe asking for a postponement of about eight weeks, saying he needed a racketeering certificate from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head, Shamila Batohi, for prosecutors to arrest three additional suspects.
R2.3bn VBS trial expected to only begin in 2022
Trial date: The VBS heist trial is expected to begin only in early 2022. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy
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Mail & Guardian has also learned from three sources that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is expected to ask for 16 weeks to prosecute the seven remaining accused in the matter, as well as three others mooted to be arrested before March this year.
These revelations emerged on Tuesday on the sidelines of the appearance of seven former VBS executives and directors at the Johannesburg specialised commercial crimes court, sitting in the Palmridge magistrate’s court.