Locals learned last week that some Govan Mbeki Municipal councillors have bodyguards.
This became known when one of Mr Cyril Gwiji, chairman of the municipal accounts department and former Speaker’s, bodyguards was shot and killed by another bodyguard on Sunday, 1 October.
Police said it is still unclear what the dispute was about and that they are investigating.
This has raised the eyebrows in the community.
Residents said it is unfortunate that this matter surfaced through the tragedy of someone dying.
They wanted to know who is paying for the services of the bodyguards.
Mr Thisha Mhlanga, acting municipal manager, said an urgent decision to hire bodyguards for some councillors was taken after the councillors had received threats.
He said the recent instability in the municipality that includes violent protests during council meetings, were part of the reason why the decision to hire bodyguards was taken.
Mr Mhlanga was not clear about how the municipality is going to pay for the guards.
“We have not yet paid them, but we are still working towards that.
“The money will come from the municipal budget.”
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