Corruption accused ANC heavyweight and former eThekwini metro mayor Zandile Gumede was sworn in as a member of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature on Wednesday.

She replaces former ANC KZN spokesperson Ricardo Mthembu, who died of Covid-19 in KwaDukuza on 8 July.

Her swearing in was broadcast live on Facebook on the KZN legislature page and speaker Nontembeko Boyce performed the official swearing-in.

She is accused of using her position of power to influence tenders worth hundreds of millions of rand at Durban Solid Waste (DSW). She is accused along with 17 others.

She is out on R50 000 bail after she, councillor Mondli Mthembu and others were accused of colluding with corporate entities and others to circumvent the outcome of the supply chain management protocols of the municipality.

Last year, News24 reported that the Hawks and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) swooped in on several of her co-accused, seizing various homes and luxury cars.

Among the 10 properties the AFU and Hawks seized was the plush Prestondale residence of Gumede's co-accused, Hlenga Sibisi.

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