KZN COGTA describes arrest of Mayor as ‘disturbing’
"Cogta's primary interest is in ensuring that this case does not impact negatively on the delivery of basic services to the residents."
KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) says it ‘has taken note of the news of the arrest of Endumeni Mayor, Richard Mbatha and two alleged accomplices – including an Estcourt Councillor, on charges of attempted assassination of Edumeni Speaker, Bongiwe Mbhata.
“While this is disturbing news, we need to allow the law to take its course. We urge the law enforcement agencies to expedite this case and we urge the community of eNdumeni to remain calm while the due process is taking place,” said KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
“KZN Cogta’s primary interest is in ensuring that this case does not impact negatively on the delivery of basic services to the residents. The department will provide whatever support is necessary to achieve this objective.
“In the meantime, we will be following all developments intently and we will comment on the matter, including allegations of undue influence and possible corruption at the municipality, comprehensively in due course,” said MEC Dube-Ncube.
The Mayor and his two accomplices will appear again in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on May 30.
