Sizani's wife in court for fraud

ANC chief whip Stone Sizani's wife Portia Sizani appeared in the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court on fraud and money laundering charges, according to a report.

City Press reported that she is alleged to have defrauded the department of education of more than R1.2 million between 2009 and 2010 when she worked as the Port Elizabeth district education co-ordinator of the early childhood development unit.

The State is alleging that Sizani organised work for "ghost" teachers, who didn't exist, and had people sign assumption of duty forms, which were also signed by school principals on her insistence.

She was arrested in December 2012 and the trial was reportedly delayed for more than a year due to alleged ill health.

The trial would continue on Thursday.