Mayor Murunwa Makwarela resigns amid solvency fraud row

The chief registrar announced the office would refer the matter to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) to institute criminal proceedings.

Makwarela's former coalition partners announced that they would report the former mayor for charges relating to allegations that he knowingly supplied falsified and fraudulent documentation to the city.

The DA, FF Plus, Action SA, IFP and ACDP have slammed the “shameless and dangerous” politicking, saying  Makwarela's integrity and questionable legitimacy as a city councillor has been at the centre of these events. 

DA caucus leader Jacqui Uys welcomed the resignation and said the former mayor has done what is best for the city.

“Just because he's no longer mayor does not mean he's no longer a fraud. If there is a case of fraud against him, the police need to investigate and find him guilty if that's the case.

“I am glad he did what is best for the city and has stepped aside so we can elect a new mayor so we can move forward in delivering services,” said Uys.

Sakkie du Plooy of the FF Plus confirmed the coalition laid charges against Makwarela.

“We realised it is our obligation to report fraud in the city. We are here to ensure clean governance with honest people and going forward we are going to work against any fraud in our midst that's like a cancer in the city of Tshwane.

“We are starting afresh now we are going to make the city really look like the country's capital,” said Du Plooy.

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