Cope in Tshwane hit by another mayoral candidate scandal

Cope's woes in the City of Tshwane continue as the party discovered that the candidate submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to replace former mayor Dr Murunwa Makwarela had two IDs and a criminal record.

As much, Cope will not be represented in council today as Tshwane convenes a meeting to elect a new mayor.

This was revealed by the party's Gauteng chairperson Thomas Mofokeng who said following their resolution to strengthen its vetting, it was discovered that Justice Thabang Sefanyetso was not eligible to take the PR vacancy.

"The vetting processes revealed that Mr Justice Thabang Sefanyetso who was submitted to the IEC list by the Tshwane region is in possession of two IDs and also has a criminal record," he said.

Mofokeng alleged that Makwarela, who resigned from Cope last Friday, had been calling parties in Tshwane, requesting them to support Sefanyetso as the mayoral candidate in Tshwane.

"[He was] promising the partners compensation if they accept Sefanyetso and that he will help the candidate to run the city from outside.

"Mr Justice Thabang Sefanyetso has been withdrawn with immediate effect from IEC list and his Cope membership has also been suspended with immediate effect pending his appearance before the Disciplinary Committee," Mofokeng said.

He added this would be referred to the police for investigation.

Makwarela said Mofokeng was using him as a scapegoat even though he'd resigned from the "directionless" party.

"He mustn't make me a scapegoat even though I've resigned from Cope that's directionless at the moment. I'm currently in bereavement of the loss of three family members in one month and I need space to grieve and not be drawn back into any further political mess. People must leave me alone and stop being scared of me even in my absence," Makwarela said.

Tshwane was plunged into a leadership vacuum over a month ago when former mayor Randall Williams submitted a resignation that came into effect on February 13.

Makwarela, who was later elected as Tshwane mayor, was disqualified due to insolvency and later resigned in disgrace after submitting an insolvency clearance certificate to city manager Johann Mettler, which was later declared fake by the Gauteng High Court.

The DA opened a criminal case against Makwarela.

nkosin@sowetan.co.za