eThekwini warns of crowd-funding scam for embattled Zandile Gumede

The eThekwini municipality has warned residents about a group of alleged scammers who claim to be fundraising on behalf of mayor Zandile Gumede, who is on 30 days leave. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the municipality said a group of scammers was allegedly randomly approaching people, requesting donations for Gumede’s legal costs.

The municipality said she had not asked for such donations.

Gumede, senior councillor Mondli Mthembu and businessman Craig Poonan were charged in mid-May for graft relating to a R208m Durban Solid Waste contract dating back to 2016. 

"The municipality would like to warn residents that mayor Gumede has not asked for such donations and is not part of the scheme. This is a scam and anyone who is approached by these unscrupulous individuals must report the matter to the nearest police station," the statement read. 

Acting head of communications Mandla Nsele said the municipality had decided to take a proactive approach to warn residents as it had heard a number of rumours. 

"We are investigating these rumours and have not yet received any solid evidence of anyone being scammed. We don't know who is behind this or who these people are," said Nsele. 

The case against Gumede, Mthembu, Poonan and several others is expected to proceed in August.