Former Joburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda arrested for fraud

Former Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda arrested for fraud, Al-Jama-Ah has expressed surprise at the timing of, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Kabelo Gwamanda, who is reportedly out on bail, was arrested in Protea North, Soweto, on Friday in connection with an alleged funeral policy scam.

The former mayor is accused of running a fraudulent funeral policy business, Ithemba LamaAfrika, over a decade ago. According to reports, policyholders were unable to claim the benefits promised by the company.

Investigations have since revealed that the funeral scheme was not registered with the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA), adding further complexity to the case.

The timing of Gwamanda’s arrest has raised eyebrows within Al-Jama-Ah, as it coincided with significant political developments in the city.

Al-Jama-Ah’s Yusuf Khan Dalwai, speaking on behalf of the party, stated that they find it suspicious that Gwamanda was arrested just before the Johannesburg city council’s clearing house committee was set to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive. The party views this as a potential political maneuver, though they did not provide evidence to support this claim.

Dalwai emphasized that while they are surprised by the arrest’s timing, they hope that the law enforcement agencies, particularly the Hawks, will continue to handle the case impartially and fairly.

“The Hawks have been very fair in the events leading up to Kabelo Gwamanda getting bail for allegations that 15 years ago there was R10,000 involved in a funeral scheme that went sour,” he said. His statement highlights the party’s belief that Gwamanda is cooperating with authorities and that the case should be treated with the appropriate due process.

The accusations against Gwamanda date back over a decade, involving a sum of R10,000, which was allegedly lost in a funeral scheme that failed. Although the scandal has resurfaced now, the party believes that this issue could have been addressed earlier, considering its age.

The fact that it has come to light now, just as Gwamanda was in the process of being recognized for his contributions, raises concerns about possible ulterior motives behind the arrest.

The former mayor, however, has not publicly commented on the charges yet, but the support from his political party suggests that they believe he will clear his name.

Al-Jama-Ah commended Gwamanda for his “courage and cooperation during this time,” indicating that they have confidence in his ability to face the allegations and continue working for the betterment of Johannesburg’s residents.

The arrest of such a high-profile political figure has naturally attracted significant media attention, with many waiting to see how the case will unfold. Gwamanda, who served as Johannesburg’s mayor and was known for his dedication to addressing the needs of the city’s most vulnerable residents, now faces a legal battle that could impact both his reputation and political future.

This case highlights the challenges facing public figures when past actions come under scrutiny. Gwamanda’s arrest is a reminder of the potential long-term consequences of business practices and the importance of ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory bodies.

The fact that the alleged scam dates back over a decade but is only now leading to legal consequences has sparked debates about the efficiency of financial oversight and law enforcement in tackling fraud, particularly in industries like insurance and funeral policies, which often target vulnerable populations.

As the legal proceedings move forward, Al-Jama-Ah and Gwamanda’s supporters will be closely watching for any developments, while critics are likely to demand accountability for the alleged fraudulent activities. For now, the former mayor remains out on bail, awaiting the next steps in a case that could have significant political and legal ramifications.

In other news – Winnie Mashaba reportedly banned from Solly Moholo’s funeral

Popular Mzansi gospel singer Winnie Mashaba was reportedly banned from Solly Moholo’s funeral on Saturday, 12 October after facing criticism on social media for attending his memorial service in a helicopter.

Solomon Molokoane known as Solly Moholo passed away on Wednesday, 2 October at 65 years. Sunday World reports that Winnie Mashaba was humiliated by a group of people who tried to block her from attending Solly Moholo’s funeral last week. Read More

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