Outrage over ex-ANC councillors stripped of security
Former ANC councillors in eThekwini who have been stripped of their bodyguards say there has been no consultation on the city's decision.
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Durban - Former ANC councillors in eThekwini, who are contesting the elections as independents, have been stripped of their VIP protection.
The move has sparked outrage, with the DA threatening to approach the public protector. This also comes amid claims that other candidates were receiving VIP protection and using council vehicles in their election campaigns.
The DA on Tuesday lifted the lid on the withdrawal of bodyguards from former ANC councillors, Phindiwe Zungu, Nomvula Shembe and David Mabizelam. The trio were among the city’s 22 councillors who had previously received protection because their safety was considered at risk.
One of the councillors, who asked not to be named, said she still feared for her life and there had been no consultation on the city’s decision to withdraw the bodyguards.
DA caucus leader, Zwakele Mncwango, said: “They have been receiving security all these years. It can’t be right that now that they changed their political allegiance, their security is withdrawn.”
In a letter to city manager Sbu Sithole and Speaker Logie Naidoo, Mncwango asked: “Did you request SAPS to conduct threats analysis before removing protection?”
He also demanded an answer to claims two candidates were receiving metro police protection and using council vehicles.
Naidoo accused Mncwango of playing double standards because he had previously claimed VIP protection was costly.
Daily News