ActionSA has written to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero insisting that he suspend Group Corporate and Shared Services MMC Sithembiso Zungu, following revelations by the Hawks that Zungu had unduly benefited from CityDev, a company involved in a housing development project in Lehae.

It has been alleged that Zungu received funds from CityDev director Bernard Stegmann, deposited into his personal bank account through a company called CityDev Construction, which is involved in housing development projects.

It is claimed that Zungu accepted no less than R400 000 from CityDev as a "protection fee".

Last month, Zungu was appointed Group Corporate and Shared Services MMC by Morero, with ActionSA expressing concern that despite the existence of a prima facie case of corruption and extortion against Zungu, Morero proceeded with his “reckless” appointment.

ActionSA Johannesburg caucus leader Marcel Coutriers said his party was demanding the immediate suspension of Zungu, pending the outcome of the investigation.

He pointed out that Morero had previously set a precedent by removing Kabelo Gwamanda from his role as Community Development MMC when he faced similar criminal allegations.

“Given the current circumstances, it is imperative that MMC Zungu be held accountable and step aside to protect the integrity of the investigation,” Coutriers said.

The party believes Zungu has a case to answer and that he should step aside while he faces the allegations.

“ActionSA will not stand by while those intent on entrenching corruption act without accountability. We are proud that it was the anti-corruption work led by Herman Mashaba during his tenure as mayor that resulted in over 6 000 cases, involving transactions worth R35-billion, being investigated. ActionSA will ensure this work continues, despite ongoing efforts to reverse this legacy,” highlighted Coutriers.

ActionSA previously submitted a formal request to the then-Speaker of Council Colleen Makhubela, calling for Zungu’s referral to the City’s Ethics Committee for urgent investigation.