I’ll shoot you-Mayor’s brother tells D.A. Councillor
A Democratic Alliance Councillor is claiming to have been subjected to threats and intimidation by Zibula Mngenela, the younger brother of Matatiele Local Municipality’s Mayor, Cllr Sonwabile Mngenela. Wonga Potwana, the Councillor in question, alleges that during an incident at the State of the District Address in KwaBaca, he was insulted and threatened with violence.
The altercation reportedly occurred as Cllr Potwana was leaving the event to fetch water from his car. According to his account, Mngenela confronted him, using offensive language and making menacing threats. Potwana claims Mngenela said, “Hee Msunu kanyoko, uyifuna ntoni ifamily yam, ucinga siphila ngobusela phaya ekhaya kwezinto sinazo? Ndingakubetha mna, ndingakudubula ndikubulale futhi.” Potwana expressed his shock and confusion but managed to control himself, continuing to his car. Mngenela reportedly followed him closely, and a heated exchange ensued. The confrontation escalated to the point where Mngenela even noted down Potwana’s car’s number plate.
Mngenela has not provided a response or shared his side of the story regarding the incident. Phone calls and messages sent to him went unanswered, even after the story was published. In response to the alleged threats, a case of intimidation has been registered at Matatiele Police Station under case number 76/10/2023, and the police have confirmed their investigation into Mngenela’s actions.
Cllr Potwana has gained notoriety as a vocal critic of ANC Councillors in Matatiele, continually exposing and challenging alleged wrongdoings within the institution. In June of the current year, Potwana, alongside National Member of Parliament Baxolile Nodada, filed a case accusing Mayor Cllr Mngenela (the older brother of Zibula) of misappropriating municipal funds amounting to R13000 to cover his expenses at the African National Congress Conference.
As a consequence of his outspoken stance, ANC Councillors in Matatiele have pushed for Potwana to face a disciplinary committee. Additionally, in May of this year, Cllr Sphamandla Ntabeni initiated a misconduct allegation in a Special Council session against Cllr Potwana, with support from Cllr Mzwamandla Nyemebezi. The accusation centered around Potwana’s alleged unauthorized publication of municipal information on his Facebook page.
Commenting on the ongoing controversies and threats, Cllr Potwana characterized these actions as attempts by his detractors to hinder his efforts to address alleged misconduct within the municipality. He expressed his concern for his safety, particularly in light of the fact that Mngenela had publicly shared his car’s number plate. Nonetheless, he affirmed his determination to continue serving the people of Matatiele and South Africa, pledging that nothing would deter him from fulfilling his responsibilities.
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