Pule Mabe fraud case postponed to 28 May

Johannesburg – The case against former African National Congress spokesperson Pule Mabe and six co-accused has been postponed to 28 May 2026 in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court, where they are expected to learn whether fraud and money laundering charges against them will be withdrawn.

The State said it is still awaiting final decisions from senior prosecuting authorities, including the Gauteng head of the Specialised Crime Unit and the Johannesburg Director of Public Prosecutions, regarding representations made by the accused.

Prosecutor Magdeline Montwedi-McLean told the court that the process is nearly complete, with only final approvals outstanding.

“The DPP has considered all the submissions… however the sign-off is still being awaited. Mr Sakata… has to sign off the review decision that has been made,” she said, adding that a short postponement was requested to finalise the outcomes,” EWN quoted Montwedi-McLean as saying.

The accused face charges linked to a 2017 tender worth more than R27 million, allegedly awarded fraudulently for supplying waste pickers in Ekurhuleni with three-wheeler motorbikes.

Meanwhile, some of the accused are set to return to court on 1 September 2026 for a pre-trial hearing, SABC News reported.

Speaking outside court, Mabe welcomed the State’s indication that decisions would be ready at the next hearing but warned against further delays.

“Our senior counsel… indicated in court that this is the final postponement… otherwise… we will have to exercise other platforms allowable in law,” he said.