The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Monday laid criminal charges of fraud against the African National Congress (ANC) City of Tshwane caucus leadership for allegedly forging councillors’ signatures.

This follows a preliminary investigation by the Office of the Speaker revealing that there are at least seven signatures on a petition that might appear to be forged.

The ANC and Economic Freedom Fighters have been relentless in their attempts to oust Mayor Stevens Mokgalapa and Speaker Katlego Mathebe when they submitted a signed petition to Mathebe’s office last week requesting a meeting to table new no-confidence motions.

“The DA has been informed of the misconduct of the ANC in Tshwane, where they tried to force the Speaker of Council to call a council meeting by means of a petition signed by all its members,” City of Tshwane’s DA Deputy Chief Whip Mpho Mehlape-Zimu explained.

He said the alleged conduct of these public representatives was in stark contrast with what it meant to be a public servant.

The DA said it would follow up until the case was finalised and until the perpetrators had been removed from public office.

“These alleged acts of fraud should not be ignored as this is a threat to our City and country and should be investigated fully. Criminal acts should be punished, and we will not allow the police to ignore this case,” said Mehlape-Zimu.

The DA said it would continue to fight for democracy and for protection of the rule of law.