The VBS Mutual Bank heist case faces another delay as two accused, former Limpopo ANC treasurer Danny Msiza and Kabelo Matsepe, a former ANCYL leader, claim the state is holding back important documents.
Defended by former top prosecutor Shaun Abrahams, they argue that the state’s failure to provide the court with key evidence prevents them from preparing their defence.
Abrahams said: “The longer this takes, the more unfair it is for my clients.”
He said that Msiza and Matsepe want to start the trial, but the state’s refusal to share key documents makes that problematic.
Msiza and Matsepe are now asking to be tried separately from the other 11 accused and have requested a pause in proceedings until the Supreme Court of Appeal decides on their request.
They are challenging a high court decision denying them more details about their charges.
State advocate Hein van der Merwe has promised to oppose their requests.
Despite this, Abrahams is confident that the state’s case is weak, arguing that it relies on an investigation led by advocate Terry Motau and Werksmans attorneys.
He said: “My clients question the reliability of anything from Motau and Werksmans … they need those documents to challenge the charges.”
The 13 accused, including Msiza and Matsepe, face theft, fraud, money laundering, and corruption charges.
They are accused of stealing R2-billion from the now-collapsed VBS Mutual Bank between 2015 and 2018.
One of the accused, former VBS chief financial officer Philip Truter, has already pleaded guilty and is serving a 10-year sentence.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Danny Msiza.
Source: X
