Stokvel’s R92k allegedly ‘lost’
Ndlambe ward 7 councillor accused of theft and fraud
Ndlambe ward 7 councillor Mbuyiseli Yali has had a case of fraud and theft opened against him by the Economic Freedom Fighters for allegedly stealing R92,000 from a stokvel that he administrated on behalf of the members.
The matter was brought to the attention of Talk of the Town when we received a communique from the EFF’s Ndlambe sub-region, demanding that action be taken against Yali.
The document states that Yali, a ward 7 councillor since his appointment by the ANC following the 2016 local government elections, must pay back the money that was allegedly stolen and be dismissed as a councillor.
“The elderly have lost confidence in the various avenues which they have pursued including having informed the organisation to which Cllr Yali belongs, the ANC.
“The elderly are now forced to look to the jurisprudence to retrieve their monies and ensure that justice is served.
“However, the retrieval of the R92,000 will not erase the act of [alleged] criminality by Cllr Yali, thus the Speaker should act accordingly to protect the integrity of Ndlambe municipality and to send a strong message that this municipality does not embrace leaders who pick-pocket from the poor,” read the document.
Yali was the appointed administrator of the stokvel, which collected money from the community, mostly pensioners, intended to be redistributed among them at the start of the recent festive season to cover their expenses.
It is alleged that Yali collected the R92,000 from a bank in Port Alfred and was on his way to Bathurst when he was involved in an accident.
EFF member Xolisa Runeli, one of the document’s signatories, related that Yali had no reason to be travelling to Bathurst when he was supposed to take the money directly to the stockvel members.
“Why did he travel past New Rest where the people were, and go to Bathurst with all that money?” Runeli asked.
“What sort of accident did he have? People were phoning him all day but only managed to speak with him later when he confessed that the money was lost.”
“The EFF’s call for the immediate suspension of councillor Yali, which will ultimately lead to his inevitable dismissal, is informed by contraventions of the Municipal Systems Act and the Ethical Code of governance,” the document stated.
“The EFF intensifies its call that Cllr Yali is not befitting of the position that he holds and thus, the Speaker must use her powers to protect the credibility of the municipality . . .” Runeli said.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Mali Govender confirmed the EFF had laid charges of theft and fraud against Yali at the Nemato police station on December 31.
Subsequently, a meeting was called by Ndlambe speaker, councillor Vivian Maphaphu at Jauka Hall on Wednesday January 2, to discuss the matter.
However, TotT was not allowed to be present at the private meeting between the speaker, various ANC members and the affected community.
Despite asking for comment, no word has been received from anyone at the municipality, except to say that the matter was being dealt with by Maphaphu, and no action had yet been taken against Yali.