Call for Msunduzi councillor to be suspended following gun incident in council chamber
Image: Doctor Ngcobo Independent Newspapers
A call has been made for an ANC councillor in the Msunduzi Municipality to be suspended after he allegedly walked into the council chamber during a meeting with a gun.
The incident occurred at the City Hall last Wednesday.
The DA and the EFF said there is a pressing need to evaluate and overhaul the security at City Hall. While the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) councillor described the act as criminal in terms of council procedures and shocking.
The City Hall building houses, among other key offices, the chamber, the mayor's office and the municipal manager's office, and it used to accommodate the offices of some members of the executive committee.
DA councillor Garth Middleton said the party was demanding the immediate suspension of the councillor in question and the urgent institution of disciplinary processes that must lead to his removal.
'During a full sitting of the Msunduzi Municipal Council, a deeply disturbing and dangerous incident unfolded before councillors, senior officials, and notably, the Speaker of Council herself.
'An ANC ward councillor was seen to be armed with a firearm inside the council chambers — a space designated for constructive governance, not intimidation or acts that border on militarisation.'
'This conduct is a flagrant violation of the Councillors' Code of Conduct, particularly Chapter 11.41.4, which expressly prohibits the carrying of weapons within council premises. When the matter was raised, as the ANC councillor exited the chamber, the Speaker merely remarked, 'It's been dealt with,' providing no clarity or assurance to the council or the public,' Middleton continued.
He stated that this response was grossly inadequate and suggested a dangerous pattern of impunity.
'Council chambers are spaces for robust debate, often marked by passionate disagreements. Introducing weapons into this environment puts every councillor, staff member, and official at direct risk. Are we now to fear for our lives while serving our residents?'
He added that this incident was even more serious, as people from the councillor's ward had been protesting outside the council meeting.
ACDP's Rienus Niemand stated that they found the act to be intimidating. He said he was also taken aback by the attempt to suppress any action to deal with the matter.
'The Rules of Order are promulgated law and clearly prohibit such actions. The ACDP insisted that the matter be addressed by the relevant authorities. It is particularly concerning that while the councillor was violating the law in the council chamber, there was a protest meeting outside the chamber held by members of the same councillor's ward,' he stated.
Niemand added that the ACDP condemns intimidation and illegal actions by elected office bearers and will ensure that the ANC and its misbehaving members are brought to book.
EFF councillor Chuma Wakeni said they have called for an investigation into the matter.
'We want to know how it is possible for the councillor to go from the parking lot all the way to the council chamber with a gun. We want an investigation conducted into the security because the council chamber is a gun-free zone.'
He added that what was also troubling was the reason the councillor had a gun: 'There was a protest against him, and he was being heckled by community members, so (apparently) he was carrying a gun to protect himself against the people he represents. We had to call on the Speaker to ensure that the councillor does not harm the residents.'
The municipality had not responded to a request for comment by the time of publication.
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