Knysna mayor and co-accused granted bail in corruption case

Breaking News Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Bail has been set at R20 000 for each accused in the corruption matter involving former mayor Thando Matika, former acting chief financial officer Busisiwe Lubelwana and Acting Municipal Manager Boy Ngubo. The case has been postponed until 2 December for further investigation.

Lubelwana’s three-month contract as acting chief financial officer (ACFO) came to an end on Monday 12 October. As previously reported, she was appointed on 13 July following the retirement of former CFO Clifford Julies.

Lubelwana’s acting appointment drew criticism from some residents, opposition councillors and community groups. Concerns raised at the time focused on allegations relating to her previous employment and the process Council followed in making the appointment.

Meanwhile, Ngubo’s employment status has come under scrutiny following his release on bail while facing corruption, money laundering and extortion charges.

During the continuation of the ordinary council meeting on Tuesday 13 October, Council reportedly appointed Dr Richard Martin as acting municipal manager for a three-month period. This meeting followed the ordinary council sitting that collapsed on 30 September.

It was also reported that a majority of councillors had decided to terminate Ngubo’s contract and pay out the remainder of his contractual term.

However, this publication could not independently confirm the reported decision before publication.

The municipality was approached for comment on Ngubo’s current employment status following his release on bail, the reported decision regarding his contract and Martin’s appointment. Municipal communications manager Christopher Bezuidenhout said the municipality could not respond to Knysna-Plett Herald’s enquiry as the meeting had not yet concluded.

Meanwhile, Matika’s release on R20 000 bail was met with elation by his supporters, family members and members of the South African Communist Party. Matika is contesting the upcoming local government elections under the SACP banner for the first time, as both a mayoral and ward candidate.

Following his release, Matika can continue campaigning and the party members remain in support of him being innocent until proven guilty.

The three accused face charges of corruption, money laundering and extortion. The postponement to 2 December is intended to allow for further investigation. The charges remain allegations, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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