An investigation initiated by the National Treasury into how much had been paid to the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality for the implementation of the Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) is what led to forensic investigators uncovering an alleged scheme by high-ranking officials, municipal employees and business people.
Volumes of exhibits, including nine lever-arch files containing bank statements of those allegedly involved in the multimillion-rand Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) fraud case, set the tone for proceedings in the high court on Monday.
“Not guilty” were the words uttered in succession by the men and women accused of siphoning off millions of rand meant for Nelson Mandela Bay’s now defunct Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS) as they were asked to plead to the charges on Tuesday.
Khaya Saziwa, who had been representing both Wessels and her son, Rukaard Abrahams, said during consultations with the pair at the weekend it became apparent there was “material conflict” which prompted him to withdraw
It could be months before the multimillion-rand fraud and corruption trial involving several high-ranking officials, businesspeople and a Bay attorney gets to court.