City of Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero has placed member of the mayoral community (MMC) for Community Development, Kabelo Gwamanda, on special leave over fraud and corruption charges.
Gwamanda was arrested last Friday and released on bail. He allegedly scammed people through his burial scheme Ithemba Lama Afrika 10 years before he joined politics.
KABELO GWAMANDA RELIEVED FROM DUTIES
Morero met with Gwamanda on Tuesday, 22 October, to deliberate about the charges he is facing.
Morero said the severity of the allegations demand a proactive response to protect the integrity of his office.
“In line with the City’s commitment to integrity, good governance, and accountability, I have decided to place MMC Gwamanda on special leave, effective immediately, and relieve him of all his executive duties,” Morero said.
Further, Morero said Gwamanda’s matter will be referred to the speaker of council, who will handle it according to the legislated processes and rules of the council.
In the meantime, an acting MMC for Community Development will be appointed.
BACKGROUND
When Gwamanda was elected mayor in 2023, then-Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor in the metro, Mpho Phalatse, accused the Al Jama-ah member of running a fraudulent ponzi scheme.
Al Jama-ah gave Phalatse 48 hours to retract her statements or face legal action. She did not retract, and instead, she pursued a case against Gwamanda.
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) also confirmed that it investigated complaints received about Gwamanda and his burial scheme, Ithemba Lama Afrika.
The FSCA also emphasised that the existence of an investigation should not be construed as a statement or indication that any person has indeed contravened a financial sector law.
“The investigation aims to establish whether such a contravention has occurred. Once the investigation is concluded, the Authority will inform the public of the outcome of the matter,” the Authority said at the time.
DO YOU THINK KABELO GWAMANDA IS ENTITLED TO FULL PAY WHILE ON SPECIAL LEAVE?
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