Twist in Tshwane mayoral saga as court says Makwarela certificate is fake
The Chief Registrar of the High Court in Pretoria has confirmed that she did not issue the clearance certificate to prove Murunwa Makwarela is no longer insolvent.
Makwarela, who is a member of the Congress of the People, was disqualified as a PR councillor earlier this week due to his financial troubles.
He later handed the certificate to the city manager and was subsequently reinstated as mayor.
But on Friday, the registrar said the certificate was fake and that the matter has been referred to the Hawks.
Statement - Makwarela (Frau... by Jacaranda FM News
Earlier on Friday, during an impromptu media briefing at Tshwane House, Makwarela claimed his rehabilitation order was received from the High Court.
“I did submit a copy of the rehabilitation certificate to the city manager after he wrote to me requesting for it and the city manager rescinded my exclusion as both councillor and mayor of the city,” he said.
Makwarela says a probe has been launched into the authenticity of the certificate.
“I know that there is a lot of noise as to whether the letter is authentic or not, but be that as it may, the matter is under investigation by the City of Tshwane’s legal service department and my lawyers are also on it and will communicate further.”
Makwarela was sequestrated in August 2016.
The law prohibits people who are unrehabilitated insolvents from holding public office.
Despite his sequestration, Makwarela was elected as a councillor and, on 28 February, as the mayor of Tshwane with the help of the ANC and EFF.
The DA-led multiparty coalition in Tshwane will also open a criminal complaint against Makwarela on Friday afternoon.
