The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini notes media reports that properties belonging to former eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede were raided this morning and assets belonging to Gumede seized by the Hawks.
We welcome this as a positive step in the development of the corruption, fraud and racketeering case against Gumede and several others, and urge the Hawks to continue with their good work.
It is concerning to note, however, the statement by Hawks Spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi, that Gumede has violated her bail conditions by vacating a property listed as her residence under her bail conditions without informing the authorities. This is surely grounds for arrest, which we trust will be imminent, as no one is above the law.
Whilst we are pleased that there is progress in this matter and that Gumede is no longer Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, she remains a councillor in the municipality, along with her co-accused Mondli Mthembu and 62 other Councillors mentioned in the initial court proceedings.
The eThekwini Municipality Speaker’s Office, which is tasked with upholding the Code of Conduct for Councillors as enshrined in the law, have not initiated investigation, suspension or action against these Councillors.
Gumede, Mthembu and their unnamed 62 cohorts continue to earn R2, 5 million rand a month of public money whilst eThekwini has done nothing itself to hold them accountable.
The DA will not rest until everyone involved in Gumede’s corrupt schemes are held to account, and until eThekwini is rid of this rampant greed and maladministration.