Former Tshwane Mayor, Makwarela out on bail

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Former City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Murunwa Makwarela has been released on R 10 000 bail following a short court appearance in Tshwane.

Makwarela handed himself over to the police Monday morning before making an appearance at Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on charges of fraud and uttering.

Makwarela saw himself trending on social media and making headlines for wrong reasons shortly after being voted in as Tshwane Mayor.

Shortly after being elected the Executive Mayor was disqualified after it was found that he was declared insolvent in 2016 and could only be freed from the insolvency by a court room of law.

He later on presented a certificate supposedly issued by court, Pretoria High to be specific. However, it emerged that the said certificate he presented to the City of Tshwane purporting to be his rehabilitation certificate was forged. It also had mistakes which were suspicious including misspelling of his surname.

Later on the registrar of the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria confirmed that the document was never issued from the court and that no rehabilitation certificate was ever issued under Makwarela’s name.

He later on resigned from the City as the Mayor, councillor and his political party Cope after being exposed.

Making an appearance in court , the case was presided over by judge Nicka Setshogoe who was rather lenient on Dr Makwarela taking into consideration that he was cooperative.

 “… your address has been verified; you are staying within the jurisdiction of the court. You have submitted yourself to the police upon request. You do not have previous convictions, pending or outstanding matters…” said the judge.

He is due to make his second court appearance next month.