Death threats allegedly made against Nelson Mandela Bay councillors
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Athol Trollip, says he has written to Eastern Cape Premier, Phumulo Masualle, to inform him about death threats made against two of his councillors.
Trollip revealed today that the threats were made against Council Chief Whip, Werner Senekal and Mayoral Committee Member, Rano Kayser.
He said it's believed that the threats might be linked to the upcoming court case of two ANC metro councillors facing charges of attempted murder and assault following the infamous brawl in Council Chambers last October.
Police confirmed that they've opened an inquiry into the matter which is being investigated.
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Trollip says he's written to Premier Masualle informing him of the situation - particularly in light of last week's murder in Fort Beaufort of the Speaker of the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, ANC councillor Thozama Njobe.
"It is simply untenable that in a constitutional democracy - that we can be intimidated and threatened with our lives as public representatives because some people have no respect for others or for the rule of law and order.
"I therefore wish to not only put this matter on the record for you and the MEC of Safety and Security but also to insist and ensure that every effort is being made to bring the alleged conspirators to book as soon as possible. And that every effort is made to prevent any further political assassinations in this province," he says.
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The ANC in Nelson Mandela Bay says it condemns the alleged death threats made against the metro's councillors.
ANC regional spokesperson, Gift Nqondi, says the use of violent conduct or death threats of this kind can never have a place in South Africa's democracy.
But, he had some strong words for linking the threats to the upcoming case of the two ANC councillors - Andile Lungisa and Gamilihleli Maqula.
"We have got confidence that the SAPS will do everything possible to bring perpetrators before the court but what we are against is these statements of insinuating that our councillors are involved in these so-called death threats without any tangible evidence," he said.