City of uMhlathuze dismisses claims of Mayor Ngwezi’s arrest as “defamatory and false”
The City of uMhlathuze in Richards Bay, northern KwaZulu-Natal has strongly refuted claims circulating on social media that its Mayor Xolani Ngwezi, has been arrested on corruption-related charges.
The City described the allegations as “patently false, defamatory in nature, and devoid of any factual basis.” It clarified that Mayor Ngwezi has “not been arrested, charged with any criminal offence, nor subjected to any form of detention by law enforcement authorities.”
The social media posts in question, dated 18 June 2025, alleged that Ngwezi had been arrested for corruption. However, the City said these statements were misleading and meant to damage the reputation of the Mayor.
According to the City, the Mayor was informed by the Richards Bay South African Police Service (SAPS) about a “minor complaint of crimen injuria purportedly opened against him” on 17 June”.
“Acting on legal advice, Ngwezi “voluntarily… presented himself to the authorities for the sole purpose of understanding the substance of the complaint and to demonstrate his full willingness to comply with the due process of law.”
The City emphasised: “It is imperative to underscore that the Mayor was not placed under arrest, nor was he detained at any stage. He remains a free citizen, continuing with his official duties and responsibilities in service of the residents of uMhlathuze.”
It added that the matter is now sub judice, with the City stating it is “constrained from commenting on the merits or substance of the complaint”.
It however confirmed that Ngwezi “through his legal representatives, has categorically denied all allegations.”
The City also pledged to “continue to provide the necessary legal and administrative support as due process unfolds.”
In a stern rebuke of the misinformation, the City said it “strongly condemns the dissemination of false and inflammatory information, which serves only to mislead the public, undermine public confidence, and unlawfully impugn the dignity and character of a public office bearer.”