SUBPOENAS were yesterday prepared for four men accused of plotting to kill KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize, the National Prosecuting Authority said.

"We have already prepared subpoenas to be served on all the accused as soon as possible," NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said.

The Pinetown magistrate's court struck the case off the roll yesterday morning after the state failed to assign an advocate to prosecute the matter during a trial which was set down for three days.

Mhaga said the subpoenas were supposed to be served yesterday afternoon or would be served today.

Mhaga said it was regrettable that the matter had been struck off the roll.

He said state prosecutor Ncedile Dunywa did not go to court because he had urgent personal matters that he needed to attend to.

"He asked his colleague to stand in for him but there was miscommunication between them.

There were scenes of joy when Sizwe Mkhize, Themba Xaba, Jackson Chili and Mlungisi Xulu walked free at around 9.30am yesterday.

Mkhize could not contain his excitement. He screamed and clapped inside the court, saying that the state did not have a case against them.