12 hours ago
Charge against City of uMhlathuze mayor Xolani Ngwezi dropped
A crimen injuria charge against City of uMhlathuze mayor Xolani Ngwezi has been withdrawn.
Image: City of uMhlathuze / Facebook
A senior public prosecutor has declined to enroll a crimen injuria case against City of uMhlathuze mayor Councillor Xolani Ngwezi, effectively bringing the matter to a close.
This is according to a statement released by the City of uMhlathuze in Richards Bay. The municipality said that the prosecutor had concluded 'after consideration of the docket, concluded that the evidence presented does not establish a prima facie case and is devoid of a reasonable prospect of a successful prosecution.'
The matter had been scheduled for a first court appearance on June 24. However, the charge was withdrawn before the court hearing could commence.
The development follows allegations circulated on social media, claiming that Ngwezi had been arrested on corruption-related charges. The City refuted those claims the next day, stating they were 'patently false, defamatory in nature, and devoid of any factual basis.'
At the time, the City clarified that Ngwezi had not been arrested but had voluntarily presented himself to the Richards Bay South African Police Service (SAPS) on June 17 after learning of a minor complaint of crimen injuria.
'The mayor was not placed under arrest nor was he detained at any stage,' the City said in its June 19 statement.
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The City said this week that the charges were 'spurious, vexatious, and politically motivated, tantamount to nothing more than an attempt to impugn the dignity and reputation of the Honourable Mayor.'
'This constituted an orchestrated smear campaign designed to cause public doubt and discredit the leadership of the Mayor,' the City said.
It also commended the 'professionalism and impartiality demonstrated by the prosecuting authority in applying the law without fear, favour, or prejudice, notwithstanding sustained pressure from certain political parties, media houses, and individuals with ulterior motives.'
The municipality said Ngwezi remains committed to 'delivering effective, transparent, and accountable governance in service of the community.'
THE MERCURY
