Stratu and Vatala property case struck from the court roll

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The property case against Garden Route District Municipality's Municipal Manager Monde Stratu (47) and former Knysna Municipal Manager Sitembele Wiseman Vatala (56) has been struck from the court roll.

Stratu and Vatala made a brief appearance in the Knysna Regional Court today, 20 March.
The matter involves alleged property transfers - or rather the alleged lack thereof - between Knysna and Garden Route District Municipality worth R64m.

"My client is over the moon," said attorney Jerome Bans, Stratu's legal representative. Bans said the matter has been struck off the court roll for both accused due to certain delays on the state’s side.

"This means that there is no time line assigned to the case, and it is uncertain whether the state will re-enrol the case, and if so, when. It alleviates some of the burden for my client to be continuously in court. It has taken a huge toll on his health," said Bans.

The defence asked for the case to be struck off the court roll, and the state opposed. Both had to make submissions. The court decided to rule with the defence and strike the matter off the court roll.

In their feedback on the matter, National Prosecuting Authority's Spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the fact that the case was struck off the roll. He emphasised that this does not mean that the matter has been withdrawn.

"The state requested a remand for the representations to be considered by the DPP (Directors of Public Prosecutions) Office," said Ntabazalila.

"Due to the complexity of the matter and the voluminous docket, the court stated that it cannot be certain that the DPP will arrive at a decision immediately. So, in protection of the accused’s right to a speedy trial, the matter is struck off the roll. It will be placed back on the court roll once the representations have been considered by the DPP Office. This applies to both accused."

Stratu is represented by attorney Jerome Bans, and Vatala is represented by Sebastiaan Marx of McWilliams & Elliott Incorporated Attorneys in Gqeberha.

Former Knysna Municipal Manager Sitembele Wiseman Vatala