NPA says delays in the corruption case against Kodwa are justified

JOHANNESBURG – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says delays in the fraud and corruption case against former Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa are reasonable and justified.

Kodwa and his co-accused, ex-EOH chief executive Jehan Mackay, appeared briefly in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The court was set to rule on the couple’s requests to drop the charges, but the case was postponed again.

The case relates to allegations that the former minister received almost R1.7 million in kickbacks from Mackay in exchange for government contracts.

Kodwa and Mackay applied to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to withdraw their charges.

READ: NPA denies corruption case against Zizi Kodwa is weak

However, the DPP, who must make a decision, has asked for additional time to review and carefully consider their applications.

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said although the case has suffered further delays, these types of cases take time.

“We have made a commitment as NPA that we will do our best to ensure that this matter is brought to a successful conclusion and we continue to do so,” Mjonondwane said.

Kodwa and Mackay will return to court on November 1 for a ruling on their bid to have the charges dropped.