Call for VIP protection unit after threats to councillors

Amid escalating threats against councillors, Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor Babalwa Lobishe wants a VIP protection unit to be established.

Lobishe proposed the idea during chief financial officer Selwyn Thys’s presentation on the 2023/2024 adjustment budget.

Thys, meanwhile, said a provision for a VIP protection unit could be made in the budget but a report by a relevant department would have to be compiled.

It would then need to be debated at a committee meeting and sent to the council for approval.

Lobishe said the establishment of the unit had become a necessity as threats to councillors were more frequent.

It was reported last month that four councillors were under protection due to threats against their lives.

Patriotic Alliance councillors — Shuling Lindoor and Bradley Murray — received threatening messages from an unknown number earlier this month, warning them against supporting a motion to oust mayor Gary van Niekerk.

“When councillors are under threat it seems we are time and time again found wanting on what to do,” Lobishe said.

While Lobishe said the establishment and allocation of a budget did not need to come from the 2023/2024 financial year, she said it was important the process to form the unit started.

“It does not have to be operational now but it is important that money be set aside to start that process,” Lobishe said.

“If such a unit would need to be allocated staff from the safety and security department, allowances would need to be made for things such as overtime.”

Thys said the establishment of such a unit along with the funding needed would require approval from the council.

“The creation of such a VIP protection unit would need relevant studies to be done by the appropriate directorate and a report brought to the council.

“The report would inform what the budget would be because we have no clue right now.”

After the meeting, Van Niekerk said the safety and security department would compile the report which would be considered in a standing committee meeting.

It would then be referred to the budget and treasury department for consideration.

“It is very important for such a unit to exist. We are one of the few metros that do not have such a unit.”