‘Misinformation’: DA comes to ‘embattled’ councillor’s defence

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has bemoaned what it claims is misinformation being spread, in the wake of its Table View ward councillor Nora Grose being charged for fraud and money laundering to the tune of R170 000.

This is in relation to funds from the COVID-19 Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), which the Hawks allege that Grose siphoned. She handed herself over to the Hawks at the Atlantis SAPS Community Centre and was granted bail of R10 000 in the Atlantis Magistrates Court.

“The Democratic Alliance (DA) takes note of the significant misinformation being spread on social media in relation to events that unfolded,” said the DA’s Emma Powell.

“It must be stated upfront that in availing herself to be formally charged, the Councillor did not plead to any charges. As the Councillor and the City’s legal team have not been provided with the case docket by the Hawks, we are unable to comment on the veracity or the merits of the charges”

The court case involving Grose will be heard on 25 June.

“It is further alleged that she again colluded with Reuben Swartz, the chairperson of the same NGO, to siphon relief funds from the City of Cape Town,” said Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani.

DA: Councillor will cooperate with the Hawks

According to the DA, a former DA member is one of the subjects of a wide-ranging probe by the Hawks.

“The investigation currently underway by the Hawks is multi-faceted and concerns a case of TERS fraud allegedly committed by an ex-DA member, as well as the procedural processes that were followed in the distribution of Covid relief grant funding”

Emma Powell, DA MP

The party claims there appears to be an intentional attempt“from certain quarters to sub-join and conflate what are clearly two separate matters.”

“Councillor Grose has and will continue to cooperate with the authorities concerned as this investigation runs its course,” Powell said.

The Hawks claim Grose funnelled to a church in Table view with links to some city officials.