Al Jama-ah surprised by timing of former Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda’s arrest

CAPE TOWN - Al-Jama-Ah says it’s surprised by the timing of the arrest of former Johannesburg mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda.

Gwamanda is reportedly out on bail, after being arrested in Protea North, Soweto, on Friday for his alleged involvement in an alleged funeral policy scam.

It’s alleged that Gwamanda’s business, Ithemba LamaAfrika, sold funeral policies over a decade ago, however, policyholders were unable to claim.

Investigations have since found that the scheme had not registered with the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA).

Al Jama-ah’s Yusuf Khan Dalwai said the party finds Gwamanda’s arrest, falling on the eve of the clearing house committee’s renaming of Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive, suspicious.

He added that the party, however, hopes the Hawks will continue to be fair in their handling of the matter:

"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."

The party further commended Gwamanda for his "courage and cooperation during this time."