The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng has withdrawn charges against former City of Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda and co accused Mduduzi Zondi due to lack of evidence.
The pair were facing charges of fraud and corruption after they were allegedly linked to a defunct investment and funeral insurance company, Ithemba Lama Afrika, run by Gwamanda in Soweto between 2011 and 2012.
Following the allegations, Gwamanda was placed on precautionary leave as the city’s MMC for Community Development, and later dismissed by his predecessor, Dada Morero.
A legal representative for both Gwamanda and Zondo, Gregory Armstrong, today told the Protea Magistrates court that the state never had enough evidence to charge his clients.
He said the state failed to gather its evidence despite having enough time to do so.
Meanwhile Gwamanda welcomed the withdrawal of the charges in a video posted on X and described the charges as politically motivated.
“It is a tenuous court process by way of public prosecution very politically in nature that seeks to be in the main damage the reputation and the character of a future leader and political party that appears to be a threat in the political landscape.
As indigenous people of the African soil, we have a responsibility to stand up against those that seek to deny us the succession of our country,” said Gwamanda.
Meanwhile, Gwamanda’s party, Al Jama-ah, has welcomed withdrawal of the charges, adding that the decision marks a significant victory for Gwamanda, who has faced unjust accusations and scrutiny over the past period.
The withdrawal of these charges brings with it a sense of relief and justice, reinforcing our belief in the rule of law and the importance of upholding the rights of all individuals, especially when subjected to unwarranted attacks.
We also hope that this decision signals the end of the baseless and derogatory comments from our political opponents in the City of Johannesburg.
Al Jama-ah remains committed to serving the people of Johannesburg with integrity, and we trust that this unfortunate chapter will be behind us as we continue our work to build a better future for our city,” read a statement from the party.