Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa has denied allegations of “intimidation and threats” made by the acting municipal manager, Phaahle Simon Malepeng, against him and deputy mayor Alberto Marbi.

In a statement issued by Tsengwa’s office on Friday 1 November, he said Malepeng’s allegations, contained in an email written by Malepeng on Thursday 31 October, were rejected “with the utmost disdain”.

“These claims of intimidation and threats (by Mr Setloana Malepeng) are completely unfounded and an affront to the values of leadership and service we uphold,” said Tsengwa.

'Life will be at risk'
On Thursday 31 October, Malepeng wrote an email to council speaker Mncedisi Skosana, stating that mayor Tsengwa and deputy mayor Marbi had demanded his resignation “with immediate effect” at a meeting the three had held at George Airport on 29 October, and that, if he did not agree to this, “my life will be at risk including a death threat”.

Malepeng requested leave of absence and said he had made a statement to the SAPS, and had requested protection.

Sergeant Christopher Spies, police media liaison officer for the Southern Cape, said in response to a media enquiry sent by the Knysna-Plett Herald that "the matter cited in your enquiry is a subject of an ongoing police probe and identities of individuals involved cannot be divulged at this stage".

'SAPS protection of classified nature'
"Kindly be advised that SAPS protection provided to individuals is of a classified nature and not something that is discussed in the public domain, but rather directly with the party concerned," said Spies.

Malepeng said that, at the airport meeting, the mayor and deputy mayor had levelled various accusations against him “including accusations relating to Grey Elephant Investment and that I am colluding with the DA to put them under the bus”.

“At the end of the meeting they told me that they cannot work with me anymore and they both demanded that I resign with immediate effect, and, if I do not do so, my life will be at risk including a death threat," his email reads.

'Effective functioning'
Tsengwa said in his statement: “As the Executive Mayor, it is my duty, as defined by legislation and the mandate of my office, to oversee the effective functioning of the municipality.

“The core of this responsibility is ensuring consistent, reliable service delivery to the people of the greater Knysna. “To achieve this, it is essential that any issues or concerns affecting municipal operations are addressed directly and decisively, as required, with the Accounting Officer, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the municipality.

'Appropriate action'
“At times, serious discussions regarding performance and accountability are necessary to maintain the standards expected of our municipality and to prevent any harm to its reputation or the well-being of our community. When there are concerns about the performance of the Accounting Officer, the Executive Mayor has a responsibility to take appropriate action.

“However, at no point were any threats directed towards Mr Malepeng by either myself or Deputy Mayor Alberto Marbi. These allegations are not only damaging to our personal and professional integrity but also cast unwarranted doubt over the function and stability of the municipality.

“We remain committed to the effective governance and service to the people of Knysna and will continue to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in all interaction.”

ANC reaction
The ANC Western Cape spokesperson, Khalid Sayed, said in a statement, released on November 1, that the ANC “notes with serious concern” the death threat accusation levelled by acting municipal manager Malepeng, “against our Knysna Mayor and Acting Regional Chairperson of Victor Molosi, Aubrey Tsengwa”.

Sayed said the ANC provincial secretary, along with provincial officials, will hold a meeting with Tsengwa on Monday 4 November.

The meeting will take place “whilst providing the South African Police Service (SAPS) with the necessary space to conclude their investigation into the accusation”.
The ANC will communicate with the media once the internal processes have been concluded. 

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