Gwamanda says innocent of ‘politically motivated’ charges

Gwamanda appeared before the Protea North Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on fraud charges for allegedly conning Soweto residents through his funeral burial society business iThemba Lama Afrika.

The case was postponed to February 25 for the State to organise the docket.

Gwamanda’s defence team argued that the State misrepresented its readiness to proceed with the case.

The former mayor was arrested in October alongside his business partner after he handed himself over to police.

Speaking before the court proceedings, he bemoaned the charges against him, saying he believes that there is a political motive behind them.

"What I did wrong was for a township boy who they perceived uneducated, without political education, without having climbing up the ranks they way they did, becoming the mayor of the City of Johannesburg."

“To them that was unacceptable, and, in that regard, they tried to find anything they could use to bring me down, it didn’t work and it still won’t work because after this I’m coming for them.”

The former mayor has slammed the witness list in his fraud case, claiming that several individuals listed benefitted from his funeral company as employees. 

“I was myself shocked to find out that these are people from my community that I have worked with, these are people that I have assisted when they could not do things for themselves even before the business started.”

He also hit out at his predecessor, Mpho Phalatse, who urged his removal from the mayoral office.

READ MORE: DA in Joburg wants probe into Gwamanda tenure as mayor, MMC

“I don’t remember at any point she being close to the community, she being a witness to whatever may have transpired, but according to her I know she calls me several names on TV, including a criminal."

“However, the reason why I have subjected myself before law enforcement and the court is so that the process can unfold that will ultimately determine what exactly is these charges that are laid against me.”

The former mayor claimed that the media had falsely painted him as guilty, as he has yet to see the formal charge sheet.

“There is no charge sheet that I am accused of fraud. It’s a media narrative that I am accused of fraud, so I am here today to still see the charge sheet that says Kabelo Gwamanda is accused of defrauding so and so – so that I can answer for myself,” Gwamanda added.

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