Cope at odds over Makwarela replacement in Tshwane council
The nomination of a new councillor in the City of Tshwane has laid bare the divisions within the Congress of the People.
Cope nominated Justice Sefanyetso as a replacement for its former councillor Murunwa Makwarela.
This follows the removal of Makwarela as the city's mayor and as a councillor following his insolvency scandal.
Cope's interim secretary in Gauteng Mxolisi Ntombela said they don't believe there is any truth to claims that Sefanyetso has a criminal record and two identity documents.
"The region of Tshwane is satisfied with Sefanyetso and he has now been recognised by the IEC. The allegations are not true and we are distancing ourselves from that media statement.
"That statement is nonsensical, and we don't want to entertain such a thing. As far as we are aware there is nothing against Justice. We did the vetting process, and everything was fine with Justice."
It comes amid claims from the party's Gauteng chairperson Thomas Mofokeng that Sefanyatso is not suitable to serve as a councillor.
"The vetting processes revealed that Justice Thabang Sefanyetso, who was submitted to the IEC list by the Tshwane Region, is in possession of two ID’s and also has a criminal record," Mofokeng said.
"Sefanyetso has been withdrawn with immediate effect from IEC list and his Cope membership has also been suspended with immediate effect, pending his appearance before the disciplinary committee.
"This matter will be referred to SAPS and a case will be opened for an urgent investigation.
"Our vetting processes have been strengthened and the successful candidate to fill the vacant PR position in the Tshwane metro has been identified, approved and endorsed by the President Mosiuoa Lekota."
The IEC has declined to comment and directed the inquiry to the Tshwane Municipality.
The Tshwane municipal manager could not be reached for comment.
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