Johnathan Paoli
Former Tshwane mayor Murunwa Makwarela has passed away, with initial unconfirmed reports claiming that he suffered from a “short illness”.
Controversially, Makwarela’s mayorship lasted only two weeks, following revelations that he had been declared insolvent in 2016, thus making him ineligible for public office.
He was forced to resign while maintaining his innocence, with his party COPE subsequently firing him as a member.
At the time a case of fraud was also opened against him by the City of Tshwane, after he submitted a fraudulent certificate allegedly proving his successful rehabilitation.
The same certificate was disputed by the court that allegedly issued it.
Sadly, Makwarela’s woes didn’t end with the premature termination of his mayorship.
Last week he appeared in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court, where he failed to have the matter around his controversial certificate struck off the roll, with the prosecution requesting a postponement in order to set the case down for trial.
He was granted a R10 000 bail after pleading not guilty earlier in the month, and was expected back in court in the beginning of May.
The City of Tshwane previously indicated that it was considering claiming funds from him, with a Hawks probe expected to determine whether he should be held financially liable.
Speaking to the media while in court, the former Mayor said that he remained confident in proving his innocence and expecting justice to be delivered.
“I feel blessed and highly favoured. Scripture has been coming into play,” Makwarela said.
But it wasn’t to be for Makwarela who was dogged by controversy until his end and passed away before clearing his name.
Tshwane Speaker and ATM councilor Mncedi Ndzwanana, said despite the recent controversy surrounding him, it remained important to celebrate the achievements of his life.
“The only thing we can do is celebrate his life and forget about the negative energy that came around him while he was still alive,” Ndzwanana said.
News of his death was conveyed to the city’s leadership via WhatsApp messages which said that he had passed on in the early hours of Tuesday morning and called for prayers and strength to his wife and family.
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