The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has provisionally withdrawn fraud charges against former Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda and his co-accused, Mduduzi Zondo.
The two were accused of defrauding Soweto residents through a funeral scheme between 2011 and 2012. During their brief appearance at the Protea Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the State announced the decision to drop the case.
Kabelo expressed no surprise, claiming the case was weak and politically motivated, with no evidence of fraud.
“The case being provisionally withdrawn is on the basis of there being no evidence that points to the fact that I would have defrauded anyone. There is no solid case in point that they can use,” Kabelo said.
[WATCH] Former Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda reacts to the state provisionally withdrawing the fraud charges against him: “The state had 21 months to gather all the evidence required to make sure that the case is trail ready” #KabeloGwamanda pic.twitter.com/ZBzJ0rQ1Rv
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 25, 2025
Kabelo had this to say:
If this widely publicised prosecution through agents outside of the Courtroom sought to do so to record what they believed was my downfall (& all those I represent), then let this victory be for all whom o represent.
The truth cannot be debated! pic.twitter.com/DqawNF3Mg2
— Cllr. Kabelo Gwamanda (@KabeloGwamanda) February 25, 2025
Hi. Nithini? Agents of satan ??
Hasta la victoria siempre. https://t.co/x9NE7J6uFA
— Cllr. Kabelo Gwamanda (@KabeloGwamanda) February 25, 2025
Watch EWN shared the clip: Fraud charges withdrawn against Kabelo and his co-accused, Mduduzi due to lack of credible evidence.
[BREAKING] The state has withdrawn all charges against former Johannesburg Mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda and his co-accused Mduduzi Zondo.
The pair were facing multiple counts of fraud for allegedly defrauding Soweto residents through a funeral policy scam between 2011 & 2012. TCG pic.twitter.com/sjlLRGCv48
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 25, 2025
Gregory Armstrong, who represented both Gwamanda and Zondo, said the state failed to produce credible evidence to prosecute his clients despite having 21-months to build a case.
Armstrong said the state’s case was a mess with incorrect bank statements and missing documents. TCG pic.twitter.com/3DErso6YsN
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 25, 2025
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
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