State refuses to cover Malusi Gigaba’s legal costs

The State has refused to cover the legal costs of former Minister of Public Enterprises Malusi Gigaba.

His legal representative told the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday morning that a decision has not yet been made on whether to appeal the ruling.

Gigaba's lawyer, Nicholas Kourie, explained: “We think that working for the State and being a representative for the State that you are entitled to legal financial assistance. 

“We made that application through the formal channels and as of yesterday, that application has been rejected and we need to sit with our client, and consider the way forward whether we take it on review.” 

Gigaba sought financial assistance from the State on the basis that the corruption charges he faces relate to alleged conduct during his tenure as minister.

His five co-accused in the matter - former Transnet excutives Anoj Singh, Siyabonga Gama, Brian Molefe, and others - appeared before the court.