UPDATE: Chaos outside of Newcastle mayor’s court appearance
In a shocking twist of events, the recently inaugurated Mayor of Newcastle, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, has been arrested. It is alleged Mahlaba was linked to the murder of Wandile Ngobeni, a former ANC Youth League official.
Footage of the mayor allegedly being taken from the municipal offices has surfaced on social media, Mahlaba was seen in handcuffs being led out the municipal office on Scott Street.
Mahlaba earlier invited the media to the Normandien area, where he visited a family that had their home severely damaged by last night’s hail storm which wreaked havoc through most parts of Newcastle. He later addressed the community of Fairleigh at the Fairleigh hall, where he told community members that he was working with the disaster management team to assess all damage in the area.
Newcastle SAPS Communications Officer, Captain Ncube, said there was no record of Mahlaba being held at the police station. It is suspected he was taken in by Hawks, but his current whereabouts are unknown.
The Mayor’s Manager, Sbonelo Mtshali, said they could not comment at the moment but would communicate as soon as they could.
This is a developing story and the Newcastle Advertiser will keep you updated.
