KNYSNA NEWS - Two cases of intimidation have been opened with the police following alleged death threats aimed at Knysna Mayor Thando Matika.
The Knysna municipality called in the SAPS to investigate the threats, describing the situation as "sensitive".
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies has confirmed that two cases of intimidation were opened at the Knysna police station on Thursday 24 April.
"Investigations into these matters are still underway. SAPS is not at liberty to divulge the particulars of the complainant/s," he said.
Voice notes
According to a news release by the ANC Youth League, the alleged threats, aimed at Matika and contained in isiXhosa voice notes, were circulated by a "rogue individual" on Wednesday 23 April.
This resulted in the postponement of a scheduled Budget Integrated Development Plan meeting in Ward 8 that was to be addressed by Matika and speaker Mncedisi Skosana.
On the same day, 23 April, the Western Cape ANC informed former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa of his suspension.
The letter from Neville Delport, the ANC provincial secretary, said Tsengwa's unilateral resignation as ward councillor in Ward 8 on 31 March had "the effect of impeding the activities of the organisation and undermines the ANC, which constitutes misconduct in terms of our constitution".
Tolerance needed
The ANCYL statement pointed out that a councillor has been gunned down in front of his house in Knysna in recent years.
"These threats must not be taken lightly. We must learn to tolerate each other, even at the height of disagreements. The criminal making these threats must be arrested and should expose the others he is referring to in the circulating voice notes," the organisation said.
Municipal communications head Christopher Bezuidenhout confirmed the threats and told KPH they were "deeply concerning".
"Not only do they endanger public representatives, but they also undermine Council's constitutional mandate and the public's right to participate in democratic processes such as the IDP and budget consultations," said Bezuidenhout.
Call to remain calm
Western Cape ANC leader Khalid Sayed said the alleged death threats were noted with grave concern and needed to be investigated "with great urgency and precision".
"We believe that the municipality must use every measure possible to ensure the security of the leaders of council," said Sayed.
He called on all political parties, all politicians, and all the people of Knysna to remain calm and to engage on differences in a mature and robust manner.
Municipality, police on the case
Bezuidenhout said the municipality takes these security concerns very seriously. "While we cannot discuss specific security protocols in the media, we can confirm that the municipality has engaged with SAPS on this matter," he said.
"Due to the sensitive nature of the matter, we suggest that further queries regarding the investigation be directed to SAPS, as they are the lead authority on this matter."
Spies said the safety of individuals are of utmost importance to the SAPS. "Therefore, SAPS is not at liberty to discuss any security or safety-related matters of individuals in the public domain."
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