EASTERN CAPE: Phadima Fukula (31) who for quite a while has been sought by the East London based Serious Corruption Investigation of the Hawks finally presented himself in East London Magistrate’s court on 29 August 2023.
During February and March 2021, Fakula allegedly reported corruption cases in Johannesburg and East London against the then Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane respectively. A counter charge of perjury was opened against Fukula after two conflicting versions of his statements on the two cases that he had opened were discovered. A case of crimen injuria was also reported by the Premier against the suspect. The Hawks investigated all four cases in order to ascertain their veracity. Fukula disappeared thereafter.
The public assistance was sought several times in trying to locate Fukula as he was expected to appear before East London Magistrates’ court on 29 August 2023. On 28 August 2023, before his set court date, his legal representative, Advocate Dali Mpofu confirmed with the investigating officer, Lt Colonel Thembela Mtyobile, Fukula’s attendance in court on 29 August 2023 hence the presentation.
Fukula was served with new summons since the ones issued before had expired. He is therefore expected to appear in East London Magistrate’s court on 15 September 2023.
The action by Fukula is commended by the Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya for the matter to be finalised sooner.