The Pretoria High Court has dismissed an application by former State Security Agency (SSA) officer Thulani Dlomo to be discharged without presenting his defence in the R12 million fraud trial. Dlomo and co-accused Patrick Mshothola face charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering linked to approximately R12 million withdrawn from SSA vaults. The charges are related to an alleged covert project to infiltrate the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) during former President Jacob Zuma's administration.
The State alleges that the money was intended to fund Operation Mayibuye, an alleged covert project. At the heart of the discharge application is a disputed contract between the SSA and private company Korolo Investment Holdings, which the State alleges was used to facilitate the withdrawal of the funds. The company's director testified in court, denying knowledge of the contract, signing it, or receiving payment from the agency.
Dlomo's lawyer, Muntu Sithole, argued that the State has not presented prima facie evidence to establish elements of fraud, forgery, and uttering. He contends that the evidence presented in court only proves that procurement procedures were not followed, but no evidence of forgery was presented. However, the court has rejected his Section 174 application, meaning he will have to proceed with his defence.
The EFF had been granted partial access to court records in the R12 million SSA fraud trial. The party is allegedly linked to the infiltration plot. Former President Jacob Zuma's administration had been involved in the alleged covert project. The SSA and the EFF have been involved in a long-standing dispute.
The court case involves several charges, including fraud, forgery, uttering, and theft. Dlomo and Mshothola are accused of withdrawing R12 million from SSA vaults using a disputed contract between the SSA and Korolo Investment Holdings. The State alleges that the funds were used for an alleged covert project.
The director of Korolo Investment Holdings testified in court, denying any involvement with the contract or receiving payment from the SSA. The court has dismissed Dlomo's application, and he will now have to present his defence. The trial is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge.
The case has garnered significant attention due to its connection to the EFF and former President Jacob Zuma's administration. The SSA and the State have maintained that the funds were used for a legitimate project, while the EFF has denied any involvement. The trial will continue with Dlomo's defence.
Key points
- The Pretoria High Court has dismissed an application by Thulani Dlomo to be discharged without defence in the R12 million fraud trial.
- The case involves charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering linked to approximately R12 million withdrawn from SSA vaults.
- The trial is ongoing, and Dlomo will now have to present his defence.
