Joburg's Community Development MMC Gwamanda placed on precautionary leave after arrest

JOHANNESBURG - Eyewitness News has reliably learnt that Community Development MMC Kabelo Gwamanda has been placed on precautionary leave following his recent arrest

Well-placed sources have confirmed Joburg Mayor Dada Morero communicated the decision to Gwamanda during a meeting earlier on Tuesday.

Gwamanda was arrested on Friday, following allegations suggesting he ran a funeral insurance scheme that defrauded some Soweto residents.

Eyewitness News was also informed that Kenny Kunene, the Deputy President of the Patriotic Alliance and currently serving as Transport MMC, is likely to act in Gwamanda’s position.

Meanwhile, the Al-Jama-ah Party says it sees no need to enforce disciplinary action against Gwamanda, citing he’s being targeted by political powers.

There are also suggestions that Gwamanda is facing political backlash due to his proposal to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.

The City of Joburg also announced that it will issue a statement later on Tuesday concerning Gwamanda’s placement on precautionary leave.

GWAMANDA'S REPLACEMENT WON'T HAMPER SERVICE DELIVERY - COJ

The City of Joburg insists service delivery will remain unaffected by the placement of Gwamanda.

Nthatisi Modingoane, the city’s spokesperson, says the municipality takes allegations of fraud against its senior officials very seriously.

“The severity of these allegations demands a proactive response to protect the integrity of the Office of the Executive Mayor. The City of Johannesburg remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and integrity and will not tolerate any behaviour that may compromise the trust of our citizens.”

Since it has been over a year since allegations of fraud against Gwamanda first emerged, the glaring question is why he is only facing accountability now.