Controversy Surrounds Former Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda After Arrest
Image source: Guardian.ng
Despite his recent arrest linked to an alleged funeral policy scam, former Joburg mayor and Al Jama-ah Councillor Kabelo Gwamanda will continue serving as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development. City of Joburg Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu explained that the legislature lacks the authority to investigate offenses that occurred outside a councillor’s official duties. Gwamanda is accused of running a decade-long scam through his business, iThemba Lama Afrika, allegedly deceiving unsuspecting Soweto residents with a fraudulent funeral scheme.
Gwamanda voluntarily surrendered at the Protea North police station in Soweto, where he was detained and charged with fraud and corruption. Mthembu clarified in a statement, “Current regulations do not empower the legislature to probe breaches of privilege that occurred outside a councillor’s term.” However, she noted that efforts are underway to revise the council handbook’s standing rules and orders, enabling the Ethics Committee to investigate such breaches post-term. An update will be provided once this crucial process is finalized and the council approves the handbook.
Since assuming the mayoral role, Gwamanda has faced serious fraud and corruption allegations, particularly after the DA, led by Mpho Phalatse, filed a case against him in 2023. Additionally, in June 2023, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority confirmed an investigation into both iThemba Lama Afrika and Gwamanda.
At that time, Ganief Hendricks of Al Jama-ah dismissed Phalatse’s accusations as baseless, labeling her a “sore loser” and asserting that Gwamanda had undergone thorough vetting, ensuring a clean record. However, a year later, the party acknowledged Gwamanda’s arrest while questioning the timing of the allegations.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokeswoman Phindi Mjonodwane reported that Gwamanda appeared in court following his arrest and was granted bail. “The case will resume on December 3, with bail set at R2,000 for him and his co-accused,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Gwamanda was recently featured in a viral video, casually discussing his arrest with an unidentified interviewer. When asked, “We were told you were arrested?” Gwamanda responded, “Regardless of the path you choose—whether it involves service or wrongdoing—the reality is that the relationship South Africans have with law enforcement needs significant improvement to better understand our respective roles. But I am here at home…”
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