The corruption case against former Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, continues to unravel slowly, as yet another postponement was announced following a brief appearance before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
IOL has reported that Magistrate Philip Venter set the next court date for October 24, assuring all involved that proceedings would proceed with urgency, despite the numerous delays that have marked this high-profile case.
At the crux of the investigation are serious allegations of bribery involving former EOH Executive Jehan Mackay, who, according to reports, paid Kodwa R1.7 million in kickbacks over a period of time.
Speaking after the court proceedings, Magistrate Venter conveyed his confidence in the progress being made, stating: “I am satisfied by submissions by all parties that this matter is not stagnating. It is moving along at a reasonable pace.”
Venter extended the bail of both accused under the same conditions as before, reinforcing that the court’s focus remains on concluding this complex case.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his legal battles, Kodwa remained calm and composed when speaking to the media outside the courtroom.
“Not at all. I am not frustrated on separation of the trial, I cannot comment,” he asserted, reflecting a resolute stance against ongoing scrutiny and delays.
Kodwa’s recent legal woes have unfolded dramatically since his arrest earlier this year by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks). In June, following his first court appearance during which he was released on R30 000 bail, he announced his resignation from the ANC.
The allegations against Kodwa trace back to testimonies from the Zondo Commission, which investigated state capture, highlighting that he allegedly received substantial funds for personal luxury holidays.
Testimony from Steven Powell, the managing director of ENS Forensics, indicated that Mackay facilitated the illicit payments through eight transactions, as part of a corrupt scheme involving government tenders during Kodwa’s tenure as ANC national spokesperson from 2015 to 2016.
The Star