Johannesburg – Fraud charges against former mayor of Johannesburg, Kabelo Gwamanda, have been withdrawn.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Tuesday, (25 February 2025), said it has “taken a decision to provisionally withdraw charges against the former mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Kabelo Gwamanda, and Mduduzi Zondo”.
The two were charged with fraud related to an alleged funeral policy scam where unsuspecting residents from Soweto were allegedly deceived into paying monthly contributions purported to be funeral policies to iThemba Lama Afrika, a company in which the accused were directors.
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“The decision to provisionally withdraw the charges against the accused is based on the fact that additional complainants came forward, which necessitated further investigations that were not anticipated at the inception of the case,” explained NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane.
“Once these investigations have been finalised, criminal proceedings will be re-instituted.”
Gwamanda has always denied any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence in the matter.
