The high-profile corruption case involving employees from the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier is set to resume in the Durban High Court on Monday, 06 October 2025.

The accused face charges of fraud, corruption, theft, and money laundering amounting to more than R21 million.

The trial includes five senior government officials, Ziphathe Mboneni Cibane, Nonhlanhla Pamela Hlongwa, Nomusa Zakwe, Tobelani Njabulo Makhathini, and Sithembiso Doctor Msomi—alongside four other individuals and seven entities allegedly linked to irregular procurement deals.

Among the companies implicated are Phumalanga Communications CC, Roren Engineering CC, Nto’s Catering CC, I Dot Q, Set Apart Group, Inala Business Consortium, and Isidleke Enterprises Pty Ltd. Individuals such as Gugu Audrey Kheswa, Ashley Mervyn Rose, Ntombimpela Mabel Majozi, and Sybil Nomphumelelo Motaung are also facing charges.

This case follows earlier reports published by IOL in which it was reported that the accused allegedly bypassed supply chain protocols to award inflated catering and service tenders.

According to a previous statement released, out of the nine accused, five were from the office of the premier, and they are alleged to have disregarded supply chain procedures by colluding with service providers in securing catering tenders.

Hence, the other OTP officials are personal assistant Nomusa Zakwe, 35, administration clerk Njabulo Makhathini, 34, and senior administration clerk Sithembiso Msomi, 53; they are out on R5 000 bail each.

During the initial investigation, a web of kickbacks and fraudulent invoicing was uncovered, triggering a broader probe into procurement practices within the provincial government.

NPA regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara confirmed the trial date and reiterated the seriousness of the charges.

IOL NEWS

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