GOOD councillor claims George manager threatened his life

Southern Cape police are investigating a case of intimidation after a GOOD Party councillor claimed his life was threatened by a senior official at the George municipality.

Councillor Donovan Saptoe received death threats from a senior member of the municipality just days after he requested mayor Leon van Wyk to investigate allegations the senior manager hired two staff members irregularly, the party said on Wednesday.

The party added Saptoe received voice notes that hinted it would cost R80 000 to carry out a hit against him and his wife.

The party said a refusal by Van Wyk to table the allegations of misconduct at council left Saptoe open to attacks from the senior manager.

“Instead of reining (him) in, the mayor's attempted cover-up emboldened (the manager) to send death threats to councillor Saptoe and his wife Roslyn,” read the statement.

“In a series of voice notes, containing foul and aggressive language, (the manager) alludes to the availability of hit men in the taxi industry who will commit murders and kidnaps for R80 000.”

On Wednesday, Saptoe wrote to the acting municipal manager Dr Michele Gratz requesting she bring the matter to the council having supplied her office with transcripts of the voice notes sent to him.

In the letter, seen by Weekend Argus, Saptoe claims to have received a number of voice notes on March 28 which were from the manager in question where he and his wife’s life was threatened.

“I have written to the acting municipal manager requesting her to table the allegations of this very serious conduct, threatening my life and the safety of my family and others, before Council,” he said.

“I have also requested council to consider a precautionary suspension since (the manager) has demonstrated an intention to commit violence.”

In response to media queries, Gratz said: “George Municipality takes note of the statement and allegations made and no comment will be given on staff-related matters.”

Southern Cape police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie said: “An Intimidation case was opened late last month by Mr Saptoe. It's alleged that he was notified by a witness that the suspect threatened him via a WhatsApp (voice) note.”

“A probe is being done by George detectives who will upon completion of investigation, submit the docket to National Prosecuting Authority for a decision.”