Threats call for mayor and kids to be killed

Case of intimidation opened with police

“Kill the mayor of Polokwane Municipality Thembi Nkadimeng! Kill her children! Burn her house.”

These were the threatening messages circulated on social media that prompted Limpopo capital city mayor Thembi Nkadimeng to lay criminal charges against three people, including a local councillor and a community member.

Police Lieutenant-Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe confirmed a case of intimidation was opened in Polokwane, but no arrests had yet been made.

Seshego township resident Beefie Nkoana posted threats on his Facebook page calling for Nkadimeng to be killed.

Nkadimeng said the threats started on Thursday evening and worsened on Friday.

“I don’t even know who to protect myself against. The law must take its course. My children cannot be intimidated and I cannot be intimidated like this as a citizen of this country.” She said they were waiting for a security report to determine whether her security would be upgraded.

Nkadimeng said she believed the threats were being made in connection with disputes over the allocation of houses in the area. She said people who were unhappy with her decisions should have raised their grievances through council structures or approached the MEC instead of threatening her.

Another status update by Nkoana stated: “Hashtag Kill the Mayor of Polokwane Municipality”. When contacted yesterday, Nkoana refused to respond to questions.

Ward 11 councillor Nomonde Sivhabu said: “I am surprised about this issue because I know nothing. This is an unfortunate situation.”