MMC Kabelo Gwamanda placed on special leave amid fraud charges

Former Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has been placed on special leave. The Community Development MMC is facing fraud and corruption charges.

Gwamanda was arrested last week over fraud allegations linked to a defunct investment and funeral insurance company he ran in Soweto.

Speaking to The Citizen, two sources close to the situation said coalition partners were not consulted on the move.

On Tuesday morning, Gwamanda was summoned to Mayor Dada Morero’s office to explain the allegations against him.

The matter has also been reported to council’s ethics committee.

Gwamanda placed on special leave

“The severity of these allegations demands a proactive response to protect the integrity of the Office of the Executive Mayor,” said Morero.

“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.”

In order to ensure uninterrupted service delivery, Morero will appoint an acting MMC for Community Development during Gwamanda’s special leave.

“The City of Johannesburg remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and integrity and will not tolerate any behaviour that may compromise the trust of our citizens,” Morero said.

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Morero calls for step-aside rule

Morero, in a statement on Monday, said the ANC’s step aside rule should kick in even if Gwamanda is not a member of the party.

“As a deployee of the ANC in political office, we are guided by the ANC’s position on similar matters. We cannot, and do not, expect any less from our partners in government. We can duly confirm the situation meets the minimum requirements for the step-aside rule to kick in.”

Gwamanda’s party, Al Jama-ah, has defended him, saying there is a plot against the former mayor.

It is not clear when he will appear in court over the allegations. He is currently out on bail.

[BREAKING NEWS] Former Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda is placed on special leave. The Community Development MMC is facing fraud and corruption charges.

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