Newcastle mayor free to return to work: ANC

The party has welcomed prosecutors' decision to withdraw murder charges against him. 

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He had been placed on special leave after his arrest in May for his alleged hand in the murder of Wandile Ngobeni, an ANC youth leader, three years ago.

Yesterday, charges were withdrawn in the Madadeni Regional Magistrate's Court.

The party's Ricardo Mthembu says they believe the decision will help the municipality, which has had its own share of challenges.

Mthembu says it is important that officials there focus on their work.

"As the ANC, we also have the responsibility to unite comrades. We know that the charges levelled against the mayor have also divided the party in that region." explained Mthembu.

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