Cape Town - The Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (Icosa) has accused the Kannaland Municipality council of wanting to “erase” the party’s name, following the suspension of three of its councillors.
Controversial Icosa councillors Jeffrey Donson, Werner Meshoa and Hyrin Ruiters were suspended on Friday following allegations of fraud and corruption.
It is alleged they submitted fraudulent travel claims to the municipality under the pretence of performing official duties during 2014/15.
They are also accused of issuing incorrect and misleading statements to the public and of disrupting service delivery in the municipality.
Criminal charges have also been laid against the three.
“Council views the allegations in a serious light and they could have serious implications for the councillors,” the municipality said.
A recommendation to officially suspend the three is expected to be sent to MEC for Local Government Anton Bredell this week.
Donson however said there was “no basis” to the allegations.
“We asked them to give us the document and the proof of the allegations they have but they can’t. If they say we made fraudulent claims, they must give us the proof. They want to erase Icosa but Icosa cannot be erased because it is not on a ballot paper but in people’s hearts,” said Donson.
Kannaland Mayor Nicky Valentyn said they had enough proof to suspend the councillors.
“We have enough proof that there was corruption and fraud during the time they were in government. We suspended them last Friday and we will now send the report to MEC Bredell and then wait for his decision,” he said.
Icosa provincial leader Dawid Kamfer said the municipal council did not follow the correct processes.
“You can’t suspend people without any processes. There were no processes. They can’t show us anything on paper regarding the allegations. Council must make the recommendation but they must have the facts. We will meet with our lawyers this week and talk to them because no processes were followed in suspending our councillors,” said Kamfer.
Bredell's spokesperson Wouter Kriel said they learnt of the suspension through the media.
“We await the speaker to inform the Minister of Local Government of the said suspension,” he said.
Cape Times