Whitney Mabiya
The International Financial Corporation (IFC) in Gauteng has announced that it will file a lawsuit against the City of Johannesburg for libel and the improper detention of a councillor for association with a “hijacked” building last week.
The councillor for ward 65, Nkosikhona Khanyile, was one of 22 persons detained last week in connection with the “hijacking” of a house in Denver, east of Johannesburg.
The property was excogitated with the intention of serving as a vehicle pound for the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
The City made aware the development of the R40 million property had been delayed due to administration changes and doubts raised in council regarding the sale.
The structure was designated by the City as a replacement residence for families who had been displaced by the fatal Marshalltown fire two weeks ago.
Khanyile was one of 23 people who were taken into custody after a building raid by city of Johannesburg officials, including the mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda, and the JMPD.
Dylan Mangena was the sole individual charged later, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Speaking on behalf of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), Phindi Mjonondwane stated that 22 other people were not charged because “as there was no evidence against them .”
Following a postponement so that his residence could be confirmed, Mangena is scheduled to make another appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Speaking on behalf of the IFP, Bonginkosi Dlamini denounced the City of being “power drunk” when it apprehended Khanyile.
Bonginkosi Dlamini revealed that the JMPD pound building had been harbouring criminals, and Khanyile had received complaints from nearby business owners pertaining to it.
Khanyile reportedly warned business owners that they couldn’t construct a screen wall without the City’s approval, according to Dlamini.
Which then led to complaints of the company owners being given attention through reports to Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku, according to Dlamini.
Given all of that the wall was still constructed.
“The construction coincided with a City official coming to inspect the building, which the City wanted to use to renovate to accommodate the victims of the Marshalltown fire. The official arrived while the construction was happening and informed the City,” Dlamini stated.
Khanyile advised against building the screen wall, according to the meeting minutes that Dlamini claimed the City had obtained.
IFC spokesperson Dlamini stated,
“They started arresting the people based on the [meeting’s] attendance register. That is why they could not charge him. There was no invasion. Business people wanted to build the screen wall to protect their businesses. We will sue the City for wrongful arrest and defamation of character by the City and MMC in personal capacity.”
The Public Safety MMC Mcgini Tshwaku and the City of Johannesburg are yet to be heard for what they have to say with regards to this matter.
