Mogale City Local Municipality’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Abednego Mbulwa, has appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court along with forensic investigator, Paul O’Sullivan and former South African Airways Chief Executive Officer, Monwabisi Kalawe on various charges, including fraud.
“It is extremely worrying that one of the key managers of this city is in the national media for fraud and extortion” Amanda de Lange, Leader of the Freedom Front Plus in the West Rand region said.
De Lange says it is a very serious matter if the COO of a municipality is being co-charged with extortion, intimidation, fraud, forgery and uttering.
When Mbulwa was questioned on the R150 000 cash deposit Kalawe made into his personal bank account, Mbulwa said it was private and had nothing to with illegal activities.
“I do consultancy work. He came to me for advice on his problems. I’ve got copies of invoices I sent to him. He asked for advice, and he paid for it. My integrity is very important. I’m not party to it,” he told Fin24.
Mogale City spokesperson, Nkosana Zali, said the municipality has zero tolerance for corruption and has a fully functional unit that handles such matters.
“That, however, does not mean that we should ride roughshod over the rights of others. We are aware of proceedings against the COO, Mr Mbulawa and will allow the legal process to run its course before we comment further on private matters surrounding him and SAA,” he said.
The News understands the case was postponed to 7 June.
Read more:
‘Government and mines responsible for costs’ – DA
Coronation upgrade costing half a million more
Council had no choice but to forcefully remove dwellers
