NPA welcomes SCA decision to overturn acquittal in Nulane fraud case

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgment that has overturned the Free State High Court decision to acquit the eight accused in the Nulane fraud and corruption case.

The bench has ordered that seven of the eight accused be retried for the same offences they faced previously, as if they were not arraigned, tried and acquitted.

It has also ordered that a new judge preside over the matter.

NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says the judgment paves the way for the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) to reinstate the case within a reasonable period.

“Beyond this important case, IDAC has made significant progress in its efforts to ensure accountability for serious and complex corruption and related crimes stemming from the State Capture era. It has enrolled 50 cases, declared 133 investigations and partnered with the Asset Forfeiture Unit to obtain freezing and preservation orders amounting to R14.3 billion with R8.2 billion in confiscation orders deposited to the criminal asset recovery account.”