DA wants 'Amigos' trial papers made public

07 May 2013 - 02:08 By Mhlabunzima Memela
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Image: Times Media Group

The DA applied to the Pietermaritzburg High Court yesterday for an order that would give it access to the records of the decision that led to the withdrawal of criminal charges against two high-profile ANC politicians.

The party wants the court to invalidate the refusal of the acting director of public prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, Moipone Noko, to release the documents.

Economic development and tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu, and KwaZulu-Natal legislature speaker Peggy Nkonyeni, were charged with corruption and racketeering in the "Amigos" case, which related to a R144-million tender the province awarded to Intaka Holdings for the supply of water-purification plants to hospitals.

The National Prosecuting Authority is still pursuing charges against Uruguayan businessman and Itaka owner Gaston Savoi and several former officials.

DA provincial leader Sizwe Mchunu asked why the charges against the two were dropped.

"The public deserves to know the evidence on which the NPA based its decision to drop charges. Both Nkonyeni and Mabuyakhulu hold public office."

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