Media Statement: Legal Action withdrawn against Garden Route District Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu

For Immediate Release
20 March 2024

20 March 2024 – The legal proceedings relating to property disputes in Knysna, initiated against Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), have been officially withdrawn, at Knysna Regional Court today. All costs relating to the baseless accusations will be carried by those who brought it before the court.

The case pertained to unsubstantiated allegations surrounding the disclosure and the treatment of contingent assets (properties) valued at approximately R64 million in the 2018/2019 Annual Financial Statements of both Knysna and Garden Route District Municipality. These frivolous allegations included forgery, utterance, and the manipulation of a 2018/19 audit report.

“This decision did not come as a surprise, because from the onset the GRDM Council has unanimously and categorically refuted the allegations as frivolous, vexatious, and unfounded. The decision of the court confirms that the GRDM Council has always been correct in its assessment of such unfortunate allegations,” said Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor.

Before the official withdrawal of the case by the Knysna Regional Court Judge, the State made recommendations for the charges against Mr Monde Stratu to be withdrawn by the National Prosecution Authority.

GRDM remains committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in all of its dealings and will continue to work diligently to serve and protect the interests of communities.

ENDS