Former Amathole ANC regional secretary Teris Ntutu has welcomed a decision by the National Prosecuting Authority to withdraw criminal charges against him and 16 other individuals and companies.
All 17 had faced charges of fraud and corruption relating to a R10m black plastic bag tender the Mnquma municipality issued to the company of late businessman and ANCYL member Sive Nombembe.
The other accused alongside Ntutu were Theory Mhlangabezi Mbandamana, Big Event Boy, Zanele Patience Mbewu, Regis Masuku, RPS Engineering CC Ilangabi, Luleka Nonyongo, Lubabalo Majingolo, Amanda Ntamo, Dunyiswa Olga Mrwetyana, Viwe Phindile Madolo, Sakhumzi Mxiwodumo Madubela, Lusindiso Patric Boya, Kulile Clock, Primrose Vuyokazi Zameka Ganya, Grase Tasana and Ivy Sikhulu Nqwena, facing charges of corruption and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali on Monday confirmed the withdrawal of charges after representations made by Ntutu to the director of public prosecutions in 2024.
“After considering the representations, available evidence, as well as the fact that some of the key accused and potential witnesses have since died, the DPP decided to withdraw the charges,” Tyali said.
“For now, there are no plans to reinstate the charges relating to the fraud and corruption case that emanated from the Mnquma municipality’s black refuse bags tender.”
Ntutu said they respected the court’s decision and called for investigative institutions to be strengthened.
“It’s they who present a case to the NPA, so we can't blame the NPA ... When they make an arrest they must have at least 80 or 90% of the evidence so that when they charge, they charge to convict.
“They must not arrest and then investigate ... They need to step up. This is also taxing to the state.”
Charges against them were thrown out of court in 2021 and later reinstated in 2022.
“We are happy. We went to court twice and the court agreed with us when we said we had been in court without any progress.
“The case was set aside, but the state wanted a chance to appeal. We are happy it’s the state which decided to withdraw the charges.
“It [withdrawal] brings that confidence and hope in the state ... we think it’s a good decision,” Ntutu said.
“It was the most painful eight years — of reputational damage, loss because I had to step aside and not be active in politics ... Step aside is our resolution and we respect it because it’s a resolution of the ANC.”
Ntutu said stepping aside was discontinued once a person was no longer charged.
“I’ll be happy to be back and work for the organisation that I love so much.”
Mnquma municipality spokesperson Loyiso Mpalantshane declined to comment.
Daily Dispatch
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