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Dundee’s former mayor, Thandeka Nukani, will appear in the Newcastle Regional Court on August 12 on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
It stems from the killing of a community activist who blew the whistle on an RDP housing scam in the northern KwaZulu-Natal town a decade ago.
Nukani, who last year beat the rap for the murder of former ANC councillor and regional executive committee member Grishen Bujram, is charged with allegedly trying to have her nephew, Siyabonga Nukani, murdered in jail for turning state witness against her.
Nukani, now number four on the ANC list for the Endumeni municipality in the August 3 election, was acquitted last year on charges of having Bujram, a trade unionist and former ANC councillor, shot dead in Sibongile township on the eve of June 16 celebrations in 2006.
However, she was arrested earlier this year for trying to have her nephew and former co-accused, Siyabonga, poisoned in Waterval Prison.
Siyabonga was jailed for 20 years for his role in Bujram’s murder. He turned witness against his aunt’s boyfriend, Bongani Shangase.
Nukani, who lost her mayoral seat over the murder charges, was redeployed to the mayor’s office in the Umzinyathi municipality, under which Endumeni and Dundee fall.
Nukani was then charged for allegedly ordering Bujram’s killing on the basis of statements from Siyabonga and the alleged hit man, Mzamo Majola.
Majola was given bail and disappeared. Nukani was then acquitted as Majola’s evidence was central to confirming Nukani’s involvement in the conspiracy to kill Bujram, a father of three and lifelong civic and community activist. He served with Nukani on the ANC’s Inkosi Bambatha regional leadership.
After her acquittal on murder charges, Nukani was arrested for a second time for allegedly trying to have Siyabonga poisoned in jail to stop him giving evidence in her murder case.
Her driver, Peter Khumalo, was also arrested for the poison plot, but charges against the two were eventually withdrawn because a witness withdrew evidence.
It is understood that new evidence came to light, and she was then rearrested and charged again.
Bujram’s widow told City Press she was determined to push for justice for her husband despite the passage of time.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Kara confirmed that the case would go ahead.
Nukani did not answer calls from City Press.
