Public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s office in the Eastern Cape is investigating fraud and corruption allegations against troubled Buffalo City Metro ward 20 councillor Ntombizodwa Gamnca.
This comes after the office received a complaint from a Mdantsane NU7 resident about the allegedly illegal sale of houses by a suspected “syndicate” of people, including Gamnca.
In a letter submitted to Mkhwebane’s office the complainant, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Some cases have been reported to the police but victims feel that the police are either not investigating these cases or are taking too long for the investigations to be completed.
“It is felt that an investigation by the office of the public protector would assist in speeding up the investigations and bring relief to the victims.”
In February, the Dispatch reported that Gamnca was embroiled in a dodgy “house sale” after three people accused her of defrauding them of thousands of rands by allegedly “selling” them all the same house each time without proper documentation or title deeds.
Following the article, more residents came forward accusing her of similar allegations.
In March, the Mdantsane police confirmed they were investigating a case of fraud against Gamnca.
Although her party suspended her in March, Gamnca is still doing BCM-related work and attending council meetings.
NU7 residents Sindiswa Magela, Phumla Mrwashu and Mzwandile Khethamba confirmed receiving calls this week from Mkhwebane’s Bhisho office concerning the probe.
Magela said: “I gave them my statement and details of how my sister lost R300,000 when she tried to buy a house from the councillor.
“To date she has not paid the money back or given us the title deed we wanted. I’m relieved there is action being taken, I just hope she pays [us] back.”
Khethamba said: “I told them I had already referred my case to my lawyers.
“I did not buy a house from the councillor but she wanted to sell my house while I live in it, I got people coming to view the house without my knowledge of any sale of the house.” Mkhwebane’s acting spokesperson, Oupa Segalwe said: “It is alleged the councilor has sold about eight or so houses.
“One of the complaints alleges she paid R300,000.
“Some of the complainants opened criminal cases but they say the cases are cold. We are raising this with the police.
“The city manager says the city has its own investigation.”
An attempt to get comment from Gamnca was unsuccessful on Wednesday.
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