BUFFALO City councillors have their knives out for mayor Zukiswa Ncitha for tabling a motion two years ago to investigate the municipal manager's qualifications.
The councillors about-turn comes after prosecutor Elna Smit withdrew fraud charges against municipal manager Andile Fani and co-accused Mothabela Makgato last month.
Makgato had signed Fani's municipal financial management certificate from the Kgolo Institute. It was reported last year that Fani was being charged with fraud for allegedly submitting false educational qualifications when he applied for the top job.
A case was filed by former BCM councillor Sonny du Plessis.
In a dramatic turn of events, ANC councillor Tony Mtintsilana tabled a motion at Wednesday's council meeting calling for council to "rescind" the investigation against Fani, apologise to him and repay the legal costs the municipal manager incurred in fighting the case.
Ncitha had already left the meeting when the motion was tabled. Mtintsilana blamed the mayor for misleading the council, saying it was Ncitha who recommended that Fani be investigated.
He then called on the council to show remorse and respect for the rule of law and apologise for "the unfortunate, short-sighted resolution taken on that dreadful night of October 23 2012".
Both the DA and PAC supported the motion but cautioned against issuing a blank cheque, saying unless a full financial report was tabled before council for costs incurred, it would be risky to give the go-ahead.
"Perhaps at the next council meeting we can get that report," the DA's Lance Weyer said. - Zine George