Fraud Allegations Haunt Ex-Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda as Case Resumes in January

The legal troubles of former City of Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda continue, as his case was postponed on Tuesday to January 28. Gwamanda briefly appeared at the Protea Magistrate’s Court before the postponement was announced.

The former mayor faces charges linked to an alleged funeral policy scam he reportedly ran in Soweto over a decade ago. According to court documents, Gwamanda is accused of defrauding residents through his company, Ithemba Lama Afrika, by offering funeral insurance services. Clients made monthly payments but were left empty-handed when the business collapsed.

The scheme came to light when one of the victims filed a case with Protea Glen police earlier this year. A warrant of arrest for Gwamanda revealed that he allegedly operated the illegal insurance business in 2012 before disappearing, leaving clients searching for answers and their money.

Gwamanda’s legal issues coincide with his recent removal from office. He was dismissed as the City of Johannesburg’s mayor last month by his successor, Mayor Dada Morero. Gwamanda also served as the community development MMC before being replaced by Patriotic Alliance councillor Tebogo Nkonkou.

Further allegations against Gwamanda surfaced after a Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) investigation last year. The FSCA reported that Gwamanda, a councillor for the Al Jama-ah party, was operating the funeral insurance scheme illegally, adding more weight to the charges against him.

As Gwamanda prepares to defend himself in court, the case highlights concerns over financial scams and accountability for public figures. Residents and stakeholders await further developments as the January court date approaches.

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