Local politicians in Nongoma Municipality, located in KwaZulu-Natal, find themselves embroiled in a dire situation marked by escalating political violence. This turmoil has reached such alarming levels that some councillors have been forced to abandon their homes out of fear for their safety.
During a press briefing following a meeting with local politicians, Police Minister Bheki Cele confirmed that the councillors primarily resorted to blaming each other during a closed-door meeting.
Earlier in the year, after ousting the IFP from the council, a coalition comprising councillors from the ANC, NFP, and EFF experienced a surge in violence within the municipality. This hostile environment prompted these councillors to flee their residences, making physical attendance at council meetings untenable due to safety concerns.
Despite these developments, the IFP, which was removed from the council, refutes allegations of involvement in the violence.
Councillors informed Cele that the root cause of the violence lies in the strategic manipulation of motions of no confidence against leadership. They presented a video showing an IFP councillor undressing during a council session as evidence of the deteriorating situation.
The councillors further conveyed receiving ominous threats via private calls, intensifying their fears for personal safety.
Addressing the media, Minister Cele expressed deep concern about the precarious situation in Nongoma, characterized by dangerous incidents, including ambush attacks on councillors. He lamented the lack of constructive solutions during the meeting and emphasized that police would take action against the perpetrators of these murders, regardless of any negotiated settlement among councillors. The future of Nongoma remains uncertain, plagued by political strife and violence.
Source:
https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/government/resign-or-were-going-to-shoot-you-nongoma-councillors-tell-cele-about-threats-theyve-received-20230907
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