The Democratic Alliance have laid a formal complaint, (CAS269/10/2026) with the South African Police Service (SAPS) against Greater Kokstad Ward 6 Councillor, Ntombikhona Mfukuli.
This follows allegations that Mfukuli solicited money from members of the public, allegedly promising them employment opportunities at the municipality. She has also been implicated in the illegal landgrab at Ettrick Farm along the R617 in 2022. The Greater Kokstad Municipality is currently facilitating an internal investigation with the use of a multi-party ad hoc committee, however, DA Harry Gwala District PR Councillor, Bradwyn Marnce said the action was not enough.
“The complaint is supported by video and voice recordings allegedly implicating the councillor in soliciting and accepting money from residents in exchange for promises of employment and housing opportunities. These recordings will be made available to SAPS for investigation. The allegations are serious. Equally concerning is the failure of the municipality’s leadership to act despite reportedly having been made aware of these allegations more than a year ago. Documentation indicates that the municipality’s leadership was formally alerted to these allegations on 31 July 2025. Yet, more than a year later, there has been no apparent meaningful action to address the matter,” said Marnce.
He said the reaction from the GKM raises serious questions about accountability within the municipality.
“Why did the Mayor and Municipal Manager fail to ensure that these allegations were properly investigated when they first came to light? What action, if any, was taken to protect residents from further alleged exploitation? The DA believes that allegations of this nature cannot simply be left to an internal ad hoc committee, particularly when the municipality’s own leadership must account for its response to the original complaint,” Marnce continued.
He said that by laying a formal complaint with the SAPS, the DA have taken steps to ensure that the allegations are referred for an independent criminal investigation rather than relying solely on the municipality to investigate itself.
“We call for a thorough investigation into the councillor’s alleged conduct, as well as an explanation from the municipality regarding its handling of the allegations since July 2025. Appropriate measures must also be taken to protect potential witnesses and preserve relevant evidence. Residents who are desperate for employment and housing opportunities deserve fair and transparent processes. No person should ever be expected to pay a councillor or public representative to access opportunities or services to which they may be entitled,” said Marnce.
He said that the DA will follow up with the SAPS regarding the progress of the investigation and will continue to demand accountability from the Greater Kokstad Municipality.
“Public office must never be used for personal enrichment, and serious allegations of corruption must be investigated without fear or favour,” concluded Marnce.
No update on the investigations into the allegations by the GKM ad hoc has been made available to the public and it is unclear whether Councillor Mfukuli has provided a written response to the committee regarding the allegations.