Fraud accused former Tshwane mayor Makwarela granted bail
Disgraced former Tshwane Mayor Murunwa Makwarela has been granted bail of R10 000 in the Specialised Commercial Court in Pretoria.
Makwarela made a brief appearance at the court on Monday after he handed himself over at the Brooklyn police station.
He faces two charges of fraud.
One relates to the R1.45 million remuneration he received while he was the speaker of council and mayor of Tshwane.
The second charge relates to the forged insolvency clearance certificate that he submitted to council.
Based on the arguments presented by the defence, Magistrate Nika Setshogoe said that Makwarela was not considered a flight risk as he lives within the court’s jurisdiction.
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“You indicate that you are not a flight risk based on the fact that you stay in the jurisdiction of the court and that you are not a person that can be regarded as one who can jeopardise the proper administration of justice including this bail system.
“You have also indicated that you have handed yourself to the police and that is an additional factor to be taken into account to show the court that you are not a flight risk.”
Makwarela was Tshwane's shortest serving mayor with his tenure lasting less than two weeks.
He took office on 28 February and resigned on 10 March.
