The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has raised serious concerns over allegations that a senior member of the city’s Government of Local Unity (GLU) misused a municipal BMW vehicle for party-related engagements in KwaZulu-Natal. The DA is demanding an urgent probe into what they describe as the unauthorised use of a City of Johannesburg-owned BMW X3, potentially in violation of court rulings and municipal regulations.

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According to the DA, a member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) allegedly traveled to eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend of May 30 to June 1, 2025, using the city’s official BMW X3 for political purposes. This specific vehicle was initially acquired for VIP protection purposes but became subject to legal constraints after the South Gauteng High Court declared the City’s VIP Protection Policy unconstitutional on January 2, 2025.

Potential Contempt of Court

In a statement released by DA shadow MMC for Public Safety, Solomon Maila, the party called on Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero to launch a full-scale investigation. Maila highlighted that if the allegations are confirmed, the implicated councillor may have acted in contempt of a court ruling, a serious offense.

Further complicating the matter, the DA alleges that the municipal-issued fuel card—linked to the BMW X3—was used to fill the tank twice during the weekend trip. According to whistleblowers, the card was also used to pay toll fees, suggesting the vehicle was driven over 1,000 kilometers during the trip. This would mean that city funds were used to cover travel expenses for party business, which the DA argues is a blatant misuse of public resources.

DA Condemns Abuse of Public Resources

“This is a gross abuse of taxpayer money. It points to potential unauthorized use of municipal assets for personal or party-political gain,” Maila said. “If verified, the councillor not only broke municipal rules but may have also committed a criminal offense by disregarding a High Court judgment.”

The DA has demanded transparency regarding the identity of the MMC involved, the nature of their political activity in KZN, and the role of any municipal staff or drivers who may have assisted in the trip. The party is adamant that accountability must follow.

Criminal Charges on the Table

“We demand a full account of the vehicle’s movements between May 30 and June 1. Those responsible—both elected officials and public servants—must be held to account,” Maila insisted. “Criminal charges should be pursued against anyone involved in enabling or covering up this alleged misconduct.”

The DA maintains that incidents like this erode public trust and contribute to a culture of impunity in the city. The party says it will continue pushing for answers until full accountability is achieved.

This controversy unfolds as tensions remain high within the City of Johannesburg, with ongoing power struggles and growing scrutiny of local governance under the GLU coalition.