ANC councillor Jason Mdudumani appeared in Beaufort West Magistrates' Court on 11 April 2023 after he was arrested with bank cards and identity documents in his possession. (Photo: Supplied) 
Jason Mdudumani, an ANC councillor in Beaufort West’s Ward 7, appeared in court on 6 April in connection with offering illegal loans and retaining people’s bank cards.
Police nabbed Mdudumani with bank cards and identity documents in his possession at a local ATM last week. The cards belonged to individuals who had borrowed money from him. Sources close to the case say the cards included those of social grant recipients.
An ANC councillor meant to assist communities takes advantage of them and gives them loans. He keeps their SASSA cards and makes withdrawals every month. How much were these families left with if there was any?
— Veve (@LudidiVelani) April 6, 2023
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said: “He is charged with contravening the National Credit Act for being in possession of bank cards belonging to people, whereby he is enforcing credit agreements while he is not a financial services provider.”
Mdudumani was granted R500 bail and his case was postponed to 22 May for the State to wrap up investigations.
Read more in Daily Maverick: Beaufort West gets former Joburg councillor as new PA mayor – but not everyone is happy
“He would go to the bank with all the cards and withdraw money and then keep the cards if the owners still owed him,” said one person familiar with the case.
Parties react
ANC Central Karoo regional secretary Collin Meyer said they had noted the arrest of their councillor.
“The ANC does not condone any acts of criminality. Councillor Mdudumani will be subjected to ANC internal processes regarding matters of misconduct and bringing the ANC into disrepute. The ANC requests the community and members of the organisation to allow the law to take its course.”
Daylin Mitchell, DA constituency head in Beaufort West, called on the ANC to act decisively and not sweep the matter under the rug.
“South Africans have become used to the way in which the ANC deals with cases of criminality within their ranks. The ANC must show today that they have the interest of Beaufort West residents at heart. The DA in Beaufort West will write to the Western Cape minister of community safety and police oversight, Reagen Allen, to ensure that a watching brief is put in place.”
Attempts to obtain comment from Mdudumani were unsuccessful. DM