Political parties weigh in on former Joburg mayor’s arrest

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Political parties have reacted to the arrest of former Joburg mayor and current Community Development MMC Kabelo Gwamanda for his alleged involvement in a fraudulent funeral policy scheme.

According to Al Jama-ah, Gwamanda was requested by the Hawks to present himself to the Protea North police station where he was charged with fraud.

He appeared before a judge on the same day and was released on bail pending further investigation.

The party questioned the timing of the law enforcement which it said coincide with Gwamanda’s appointment to the GNU Clearing House Committee and happens on the eve of the highly contested street remaining from Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.

“During 2023 following the ousting of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg, Al Jama-ah as a party presented a mayoral candidate.

“Upon the election of Gwamanda as executive mayor of the City of Johannesburg, the Democratic Alliance in the form of its leader at the time Dr. Mpho Phalatse pursued a case of fraud and corruption against the mayor.

“The allegation was that he had a business that had scammed a community of monies over 10 years prior to his involvement in politics.

“The malice was not only aimed at reputational damage but this became the onus of an attempt to remove him from office a day after his appointment.

“Although the political party would like to observe and respect the sub-judice nature of the matter, we as a political party reaffirm our respect for the rule of law and judicial processes as demonstrated by MMC Gwamanda,” the statement read.

DA Johannesburg caucus leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said the development [of Gwamanda’s arrest], which is overdue, further confirms their warnings about the ANC and its coalition partners’ failure to provide ethical and transparent leadership for the people of Johannesburg.

“Gwamanda’s alleged scam involving funeral policies defrauded innocent residents of Soweto, leaving them in financial ruin.

“For years, Gwamanda avoided accountability, even leading the city as mayor while his victims were left believing he had died, a shocking betrayal of the public’s trust,” she remarked.

Kayser-Echeozonjoku called on the ANC and its coalition partners to reflect on the damage they have caused by enabling questionable individuals to lead our great city.

She added; “We further demand that the legal process be allowed to run its course without any interference, and that those affected by Gwamanda’s alleged fraud be given the justice they deserve.

“We will also write to the executive mayor to request an investigation into all agreements entered into under Gwamanda’s tenure as mayor and now as MMC community development, due to the seriousness of the allegations he was arrested for.”

Johannesburg speaker of council, Nobuhle Mthembu stated that they are concerned considering the nature of the charges that Gwamanda is facing.

She highlighted that MMCs serve at the behest and pleasure of the executive mayor. However, they remain councillors and as such must account to the legislature for their conduct.

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“The legislature, through the ethics committee is empowered to pursue investigations in instances where there may be possible transgressions that are contrary to and inconsistent with the councillors’ code of conduct.

“Upon being sworn into council, they [councillors] are required to sign a pledge where they commit to
honour and be faithful to the rules and laws of the Republic of South Africa.

“They must always abide by and obey them in a manner that does not bring harm to the integrity of the municipality. The rules currently, as they stand, do not give authority to the legislature to investigate breaches of privilege that have occurred outside of a Councillor’s tenure,” she explained.