Former executive mayor of Johannesburg, Kabelo Gwamanda, recently broke his silence regarding his arrest on charges of fraud related to a funeral policy scam. In a video shared on his X page, Gwamanda spoke openly about the incident, reflecting on the realities of being a black person in South Africa and the complexities of the country’s law enforcement system.

The former mayor, who now serves as the Joburg MMC for community development, responded to the interviewer’s question about his arrest with a candid statement. “Growing up black in South Africa, it’s a possibility that none of us can avoid—regardless of the path you choose,” Gwamanda said. He emphasized the need for South Africans to work on their relationship with law enforcement, noting that the roles of citizens and authorities need to be better understood.

Gwamanda added, “I am here at home. I cannot swim, there is a storm coming in the City of Johannesburg.” His comment came in light of the severe weather that had hit Gauteng and other parts of South Africa over the weekend, with heavy rains causing significant disruptions.

The arrest is tied to accusations of Gwamanda’s involvement in a funeral policy scam that allegedly swindled Soweto residents out of money. According to reports, Gwamanda and another individual ran a scheme through a company called Ithemba Lama Afrika from 2011. The community members, who believed they were paying into a legitimate funeral insurance policy, were left high and dry when the business collapsed, and the operators disappeared when it was time for the policyholders to claim their benefits.

What is even more shocking is that some of the victims believed Gwamanda had passed away—only to later see him on television serving as the mayor of Johannesburg. His leadership role in the city added a dramatic twist to the scandal, further capturing public interest.

The arrest has brought to light the challenges Gwamanda faces as he navigates both his political career and the serious allegations against him. While he acknowledged the gravity of the situation, his comments have sparked further debate on the interaction between citizens and law enforcement in the country.

In his interview, Gwamanda’s reflections highlighted how, in his view, these situations are part of a larger issue that needs addressing in South Africa. His statement about being black and facing law enforcement challenges resonates with many South Africans, especially in communities where tensions with law enforcement are common.

As the case develops, many will be watching to see how the legal proceedings unfold and what impact this may have on Gwamanda’s political career and reputation.