By Celani Sikhakhane
- Nongoma’s mayor, deputy and speaker from three different parties remain in custody after being arrested for corruption on Friday.
- The case adds to political issues in the municipality where some officials were recently removed by court order.
The political trio leading a northern KZN rural municipality will spend the rest of the week behind bars until their formal bail application hearing on Friday.
This follows their denial of bail on Monday for corruption charges.
Nongoma Municipality Mayor Clifford Mshangane Ndabandaba (NFP), Deputy Mayor Sabelo Nkosi (EFF), and Speaker Babongile Sithole (ANC) appeared in the Nongoma Magistrate’s Court after their arrest last Friday.
Their bail hearing was postponed to Friday, when full details of the charges will be presented.
The three coalition partners are currently being held in separate prisons.
ANC regional chair Sbusiso Mhlongo defended the accused outside court, stating: “We are of the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”
NFP Deputy President Ndida Sokhela assured residents that the arrests would not affect municipal services.
The case adds to the ongoing political drama in Nongoma. Previously, Ndabandaba made headlines for celebrating his victory with a convoy of blue lights, while the Speaker was once instructed to take an Uber when the IFP mayor refused to vacate office.
In addition, the municipality manager and chief financial officer were recently removed by the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Pictured above: NFP leadership briefing the media outside of the Nongoma Magistrate Court.
Source: X
