/ 15 January 2014

Charges dropped against Shawn Mpisane

Controversial Durban couple Sibusiso and Shawn Mpisane.
Controversial Durban couple Sibusiso and Shawn Mpisane.

The state dropped fraud and corruption charges against businessperson Shawn Mpisane in the Durban Commercial Crime Court on Wednesday, eNCA reported.

This came after the state failed to provide a forensic report, the channel reported.

Mpisane was accused of submitting forged documents to secure tenders worth R140-million from the public works department.

In another case, it was reported that Mpisane was accused of inflating the invoices of her close corporation, Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance and Transport, by R4.7-million in an attempt to cut her tax bill.

Accusation
She was also accused of violating the Close Corporations Act by remaining Zikhulise's sole member when she had a previous fraud conviction.

Defence advocate Rafik Bhana SC accused the state in July of suppressing evidence and questioned prosecutor Meera Naidu's conduct.

The Durban Regional Court granted the state a postponement in October to allow newly appointed national director of public prosecutions Mxolisi Nxasana time to consider representations made by Mpisane.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Nathi Mncube at the time said the matter was postponed to January 31. – Sapa