By Sihle Mavuso
Dr Nonhlanhla Omic Mkhize, the director-general for the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, is being investigated for alleged robbery and extortion.
This was revealed in the state’s response to Mkhize’s request for a separate trial in the uMhlathuze Water Board corruption case, which involves several former employees, lawyers, and others.
Mkhize is currently facing charges of intimidation, obstructing justice, fraud, and aiding others in committing fraud or theft.
Initially, Mkhize was only charged with intimidation after being accused, along with Siphiwe Mabaso, of pressuring Thabi Shange, the former chairperson of uMhlathuze Water, into handing over a corruption report that led to the arrests of others involved.
The state rejected Mkhize’s request for a separate trial, stating there was “no good reason” for the Durban High Court to grant her request.
The state also revealed that Mkhize is now being investigated for robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and extortion.
These charges may be added to the case before the trial starts.
The state argued against separate trials, stating that call records show a pattern of communication among the accused.
“It’s important for society that people charged together are tried together because separate trials can waste resources. It’s generally better for those facing the same charges to be tried together,” the state argued.
Pictured above: Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize is facing a robbery investigation.
Source: KZN Premier’s Office
