The High Court in Pietermaritzburg has dismissed the application of former KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development and Tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu and co-accused to have the charges against them dropped because of the state’s alleged delays in the criminal trial.The money was meant to be spent on hosting the North Sea Jazz Festival in 2012.
“The application alleged unreasonable delays by the State in the criminal trial. The 16 persons and companies in this matter face charges of corruption, theft and money laundering to the value of R28 million. The criminal trial proceedings have been provisionally adjourned to 03 October 2022.”