Note to Editors: Please find an English soundbite by Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg calls on Mayor Dada Morero to immediately publish the report of the investigation into the allegations against Patriotic Alliance (PA) MMC, Kenny Kunene. Morero indicated last night that he will receive the report today.
While the DA has already said it has no faith in the PA’s internal investigation, we further believe that reports concluded behind closed doors will only be tools of propaganda and lies. The public must know exactly what is happening. The aspersions being cast are dire, the Mayor can silence them by making this report public, and saying that he will launch an investigation, ethical and criminal.
Allegations of underworld dealings have been mounting since Kunene was found hanging out with murder suspects, and the alleged criminal links are piling up. From severe allegations of large-scale corruption, to deeply problematic links with the criminal underworld being alleged publicly, these allegations must be answered to.
With every minute of silence, Morero’s already waning credibility will just be damaged more. Openness is crucially important in a democracy, and the residents of Johannesburg have a right to know whether public representatives being paid with their taxes are beyond reproach.