KNYSNA NEWS - Eleven Knysna council members and former mayor Thando Matika have reportedly been placed under safeguarding following the killing of former mayor and Ward 8 councillor Aubrey Tsengwa on 19 August, and the deaths of Mandla Matiwane and Mandla Tyololo the following day, 20 August.
The councillors' protection is costing the municipality millions of rands. Two questions have now been raised: What specific threats led to the 11 councillors and former mayor being placed under protection, and have the necessary risk assessments been conducted?
Knysna-Plett Herald observed more than 10 bodyguards at the Knysna council chambers ahead of the final public council meeting for the current term on Wednesday 30 September, as the IEC election period approaches.
DA caucus chairperson Jason White has questioned the continued expenditure, claiming the municipality's security bill has reached about R2.6m.
In a statement on 29 September, White asked whether Matika and former council whip Mboneli Khumelwana continued to receive taxpayer-funded protection after the ANC notified the municipality on 18 September that they were no longer party members.
White said the municipality should disclose who is receiving protection, the costs involved, the legal basis for the arrangements and whether they remain necessary.
According to allegations Knysna-Plett Herald received, it was initially said that a SAPS risk assessment was under way following a briefing in Knysna with the Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, and Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi, on 22 September.
However, it has since been alleged that no assessment was completed and that council initially approved the provision of bodyguards for 14 days following the briefing.
In response to allegations that the risk assessment was allegedly not actioned, Southern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies said: "The safety of every citizen is of utmost importance, and the police do not disclose security- or safety-related information concerning any individual to the public."
An in-committee meeting was expected to follow Wednesday's public council meeting, where the security expenditure was reportedly due to be tabled for discussion and consideration of the way forward.
The outcome of that meeting was not known to Knysna-Plett Herald at the time of going to print.
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