/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Following a final hearing of the case of Councillor Nora Grose earlier today, the NPA was once again unable to provide responses to representations made by Councillor Grose’s legal team. As a result, the Court determined that this matter - which had last month been marked final - would now be struck from the roll.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated on the date of the Councillor’s arrest that their investigation was at “an advanced stage”.

To date, the NPA has failed to provide the Commercial Crimes Court with any substantive evidence in relation to the charges brought against Councillor Grose. Almost two years later, this matter has been postponed no less than 20 (twenty) times.

In striking the matter from the roll, the Court further expressed its severe dissatisfaction with the State’s inability to present its case, almost two years after the date of Grose's arrest.

Magistrate Sonnenberg specifically noted that the excessive delays have been a complete waste of time for all parties concerned.

The City of Cape Town have repeatedly stated that internal investigations have accounted for all related funds – and that according to their records, no monies were laundered or misappropriated.

Councillor Grose will now pursue all available legal options to recover damages from those who have maliciously driven aggressive misinformation campaigns in relation to these charges that have now been struck from the Court roll.

Issued by Emma Powell MP