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ANC Newcastle Mayor, Ntuthuko Mahlaba, is facing a string of charges, including theft, assault, and malicious damage to property.
This stems from an incident on 3 September 2020, where employees from a subcontractor in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, were assaulted by Njabulo Mabaso, Sgananda Shezi and the Mayor, Dr Mahlaba.
KZN Provincial Spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker explains that the three men all appeared in the Newcastle Magistrates Court on Monday, 26 July 2021, after being summoned to appear.
Furthermore, Brigadier Naicker states, “They were charged for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property and theft. The matter was remanded to 26 August 2021.”
This is not the first time Mahlaba has been arrested. The Newcastle Mayor, who is also the ANC eMalahleni regional chairperson, was taken into police custody in 2019 for the 2016 murder of ANC Youth League (ANCYL) leader, Wandile Ngubeni. These charges were subsequently dropped against Cllr Dr Mahlaba. At the time, the National Prosecuting Authority highlighted that a lack of witnesses willing to testify for the state caused it to drop charges against murder accused Newcastle mayor Ntuthuko Mahlaba.
In a statement, the NPA said that following careful consideration and analysis of all the evidence contained in the docket, it had decided to withdraw charges against Mahlaba.
In terms of the ANC step-aside guidelines, Mahlaba will now have to vacate his mayoral position pending the finalisation of his criminal case.
Newcastle Municipality’s Head of communications, Mlungisi Khumalo, explains that Mahlaba is currently continuing his duties as Mayor and serving the public.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Share your views in the comment section below.
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3 Responses
ANC step aside rule is now in effect. If not further charges should be laid against him. ANC should apply the Rule of law. No person is above the law no matter what position u hold.
This government is flawed. They only penalizes the ones who are not in the current ruling faction. Qhat Justice is this
Wow. Interesting developments indeed. He has not been visible as a mayor for sometime. He does probably need some time to concentrate on his legal battles. Newcastle cant wait, in the meantime.