Former Johannesburg mayor and Al Jama-ah councillor, Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda was arrested on Friday for allegedly conning residents in an alleged funeral policy scam. In a statement issued by his political party on Sunday, they stated their respect for the rule of law. "Although the political party would like to observe and respect the sub-judice nature of the matter, we as a political party reaffirm our respect for the rule of law and judicial processes as demonstrated by MMC Gwamanda."

SKETCHY BUSINESS

Party leader, Ganief Hendricks, confirmed that the former mayor was charged with fraud. "Cllr Gwamanda was requested to present himself to the Protea North SAPS, which he fully complied with. The MMC was subsequently charged with fraud.' Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed Gwamanda handed himself over to the police following an investigation by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Reports state that he and his business partner allegedly ran a scam where his business, iThemba Lama Afrika, conned Soweto residents in a scheme where they paid monthly funeral insurance cover. He allegedly operated the fraudulent business in 2012 before vanishing.

SWORN-IN

The City of Johannesburg Speaker of Council, Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu has in a statement noted the recent developments regarding the arrest. "Upon being sworn into Council, councillors are required to sign a pledge where they commit to honour and be faithful to the rules and laws of the Republic of South Africa, and must always abide by and obey them in a manner that does not bring harm to the integrity of the municipality.' The statement goes on to say, "The rules currently, as they stand, do not give authority to the legislature to investigate breaches of privilege that have occurred outside of a councillor's tenure.'

WORK IN PROGRESS

Mthembu said there is work currently being undertaken to amend the Standing Rules and Orders of Council Handbook. "Where the Ethics Committee will be empowered to pursue investigations where possible contempt and breaches of privilege may have occurred outside of a councillor's. tenure in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipal Council. An update shall be given in due course when this important work of the Rules Committee has been completed and the final Handbook passed by Council.'