The council's training officer, Verman Billet, yesterday said Mthembu was given a chance to give his side of the story but he had not responded and threatened the council with legal action.

The organisation then appointed Tayfin forensic and investigative auditors to investigate. Mthembu was suspended in December pending the investigation into the allegations.

"We had to act so decisively because we are partially funded by the Department of Transport so some of the monies belong to taxpayers," said Billet.

Mthembu allegedly claimed R956000 in accommodation allowances over two years while living in his own house.

The investigation showed that the address that he claimed was a guesthouse was a private home in Silver Lakes, east of Pretoria. It was not zoned as a business.

Billet said that the council had decided to expel Mthembu on May 2 following a preliminary report that included what he described as conclusive evidence of corruption.

He said other charges against Mthembu were being investigated.

"He is no longer our president and if he feels he has been dealt with unfairly he can go to court," Billet said.

Forensic auditor Mahier Tayob said his company had recommended that criminal and civil charges be brought against Mthembu.