GEORGE NEWS - The close to R11-million fraud trial of the former ANC secretary in the Southern Cape, Mzwanele Major Sokopo, and a second accused, Ndileka Precious Mfunda from Port Elizabeth, started in the George Regional Court on Monday 7 June.

Both Sokopo (45) and Mfunda (52) pleaded not guilty on 49 charges (main and alternative counts) pertaining to fraud and failure to register for Value Added Tax (Vat). Their former company, Major General Trading CC, forms part of the list of accused in its capacity as a legal business.

By Wednesday two witnesses have been called to testify - an employee of Sars and an official of Oudtshoorn Municipality. More witnesses are expected to testify.

Advocates Griebenhauw of Port Elizabeth and Visser of Mossel Bay are acting for the defence. The state prosecutor is Adv Lunga Ntshokoma and the case is heard by Magistrate Ramalebana.

Sokopo said earlier he wished the matter to be heard after all these years and welcomed the fact that it is going to court.

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