‘Threats made’ against councillor

Wells Estate’s Mbelekane fears for safety after claims of evictions reprisals

ANELSON Mandela Bay ward councillor fears for his life amid claims that there are plans by angry Wells Estate residents to once again set his house alight. While the municipality said it had assigned security to protect Ward 60 councillor Mvuzo Mbelekane at his home, the security guards were sent away due to a miscommunication over where they would be stationed.

The threats against Mbelekane stem from the recent land evictions in Wells Estate and Motherwell which turned into violent protests last week.

Yesterday, Mbelekane said he believed the threat of danger against him remained, as similar threats to torch his house were made early last year and followed through on by angry community members in the run-up to the municipal elections.

Mbelekane’s ward includes Wells Estate where residents were evicted following a court order obtained by the municipality.

He said a number of community members had approached him to say threats had been made to torch his home and car.

This, he said, was because many residents believed he supported the decision to evict residents who had occupied land illegally in Wells Estate.

“Their understanding is that I am in agreement with the MMC [member of the mayoral committee] of human settlements [councillor Nqaba Bhanga], when this is not the case.

“I am not happy with what is happening in Wells Estate.

“These people have been evicted and they have nowhere to go. If it was up to me, I would have made land available for everyone who qualifies for a house.”

Mbelekane said while community members had informed him of the threats, there were no texts or concrete evidence which he could provide to the police.

“It is hearsay because no one wants to give any names. They all say they do not want to get into trouble and they are worried about their own safety.

“But last year when my house was burnt it also started with similar threats. I have not gone to the police because I do not have anything concrete.”

He said he had contacted the Swartkops police station and requested additional patrols in his area.

“I do not condone public violence. It affects the entire community because if an ambulance is burnt in our area then other ambulances will refuse to assist us.

“We have to come up with a solution. I have asked the MMC for human settlements to go with us into the area so we can compile a list of the people there and screen everyone,” he said.

“Those who have already received a house must go live in that house. Those who qualify for a house must be assisted.”

Council speaker Jonathan Lawack, who is responsible for the welfare of councillors, said he asked safety and security political head John Best to intervene when he first got wind of the threats to Mbelekane’s safety.

“I received his complaint and we requested security to ensure he is safeguarded. This is a serious concern.”

Mbelekane confirmed that security from a private firm had arrived at his home two weeks ago, but said they had expected to sleep in his home. He thus sent them away.

“They expected to sleep in my house and I was not comfortable with that. It made me feel more in danger.

“How would they know when someone would come and attack? They are meant to be stationed outside my house.”

Best said he was not aware that the guards expected to be stationed inside.

“They must guard his house from the outside,” he said.

“If that was the case, the councillor should have reported this immediately.

“These firms are meant to provide armed protection outside the house.”

Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said police required a complaint to be laid before an investigation could be made, otherwise “we can only take note or ask vehicles to patrol”.

“We cannot post a policeman there unless a situation is unfolding. This councillor can still go to the police and open a case.”