Mr Sipho Tlale

Adv Serunye sent a 'Saturday homework' email to team members including Advocates Hlatshwayo, Ramsamy, Mr Brian Padayachee, Chief Investigator Daylan Perumal, Investigator Charles Eales, Investigator Patrick Mlambo, and project manager Mr Sipho Tlale to keep the team informed and attached queries for trial preparation.

“I sent it at 2.51 on the Saturday to the team members, Advocate Hlatshwayo, Advocate Ramsamy, Mr Brian Padayachee, Chief Investigator Daylan Perumal, Investigator Charles Eales, Investigator Patrick Mlambo. And I also copied the Project Manager, Mr Sipho Tlale... I sent them this email, and the email had an attachment containing queries”

Mr Sipho Tlale is one of four project managers involved from the beginning, performing administrative functions such as preparing monthly reports, linking the team with HR for resources, preparing documents like memos and applications, but he does not make prosecutorial decisions.

“Mr Tlale is one of the four project managers that we have. They are involved right from the beginning of the case. They prepare our monthly reports... They are also a link between us and HR... Also prepares some documents... Project managers do not make those decisions”

The decision on investigations and prosecutorial matters lies solely with the DDPP after consulting the team; project managers do not make such decisions.

“That decision lies solely with the DDPP on what type of investigations... Project managers do not make those decisions.”

Adv Serunye copied project manager Mr Sipho Tlale in emails to keep him informed about the team's work and outstanding investigations, attaching a document with queries related to trial preparation and corruption allegations.

“I am copying him because he must know what we are busy with... The project manager must know... I sent them this email, and the email had an attachment containing queries...”