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Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba’s court case in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, has finally concluded, following his appearance in the Newcastle Magistrate’s court on Monday, 22 November 2021.
In July, the former mayor was initially brought to court, facing a string of charges, including theft, violence, and malicious damage to property.
This is in response to an incident on 3 September 2020, in which Dr Mahlaba and his two bodyguards assaulted employees from a subcontractor in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.
KZN Provincial Spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker noted at the time of the original summons that the three individuals all appeared before the Newcastle Magistrates Court on Monday, 26 July 2021.
Furthermore, Brigadier Naicker stated, “They were charged for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property and theft.”
As a result, The Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal former mayor, was handed a two-year sentence by the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 November 2021.
Found guilty on charges pertaining to the assault of a fibre cable contractor employee in Newcastle, Mahlaba was given the option of paying a R20,000 fine. Magistrate Theunis Colditz found that while Mahlaba was not personally involved in the crimes, he incited others to do so, according to court documents seen by The Witness.
Initially, Mahlaba’s supporters dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. On the other hand, his opponents have been clamouring for his resignation as mayor and ANC regional chairperson. The National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson, Natasha Kara, was approached for comment on the conviction. She stated that a complete statement on the subject will be released later today, 23 November 2021.
As soon as the NPA issues a statement on the former mayor, The Newcastillian – Online News will keep our readers informed.
In the meantime, this isn’t the first time Dr Mahlaba has been charged with a crime. In 2019, the former mayor was charged with the murder of Wandile Ngubeni, the leader of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL). However, after the death of a key witness, the charges were dropped.
What are your opinions on the subject? Let us know what you think in the comments area below.
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2 Responses
It’s about time!!!
Uphakimpi