Request made for mayor’s suspension
G eorge Mayor Melvin Naik may well receive a "Dear John" letter from his political masters in the DA before the end of this week. The DA Regional Executive Committee, chaired by Jaco Londt, requested Naik's suspension from all party and party-related activities, including caucus meetings, for the duration of the investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
Following the Hawks' clamp-down on George Municipality last week Monday and Tuesday, Naik is taking a month's leave and will resume his council duties on 25 May.
Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke acts as mayor in his absence.
Information has it that Naik, Municipal Manager Trevor Botha, as well as several other officials, councillors and contractors are under investigation.
In a letter to James Selfe, the chairperson of the DA Federal Executive Committee (Fedex), Londt cites serious concerns about massive damage caused to the George DA brand in the past, which was worsened by the Hawks' recent raid. He asks Selfe to take into consideration that Naik is effectively under probation following high-level panel interviews. "We are aware that he is innocent until proven guilty, but our responsibility is to act politically and protect the brand and integrity of the party under the circumstances," says Londt.
Should Fedex consider the request favourably, Naik will be granted 48 hours to provide reasons why he should not be suspended. Selfe's office promised feedback on the matter.
Naik was not available for comment yesterday. Last week, two days after the Hawks’ surprise raid, Naik broke his silence saying, "I can assure you that I am completely innocent of any wrongdoing, and I am convinced that the current investigation will prove this."