RNM’s Deputy Mayor has been much talked about on social media

Reports that made the rounds recently that Ray Nkonyeni Municipality‘s (RNM) Deputy Mayor, Sbusiso Shange, was allegedly being followed by hitmen are untrue.

It was also alleged that Shange was in hiding and that one of his colleagues, RNM Acting HOD and spokesperson Simon April, had leaked information about a rental apartment in Durban.

RNM released a statement on Tuesday last week that the information was false.

“RNM received an inquiry regarding the safety of Sbusiso Shange, the municipality’s deputy mayor, on Wednesday, June 5. Regretfully, the situation was nonetheless handled in a manner that suggests this security vulnerability was still present. Since last Friday, rumours have been circulating, especially on social media, suggesting that the deputy mayor’s life is at risk.”

Shange confirmed the incident but said it was a lie that it had happened recently or last week and disputed that April was involved.

“This incident happened in 2022, it shocked me to read it now because it happened at least two years ago. The information provided was inaccurate. I can assure you that not once have I ever suspected that April was involved because, at that time, he was not part of the management team.”

Shange emphasised information had been given out, but it couldn’t have been April.

“The security of the deputy mayor was a concern only at the beginning of the term that followed the November 2021 local government elections. The Deputy Mayor is currently at home in comfort, and neither he nor any security services have reported any security concerns to the municipality,” said April at a media briefing on Tuesday.

He also emphasised that the 2021 arrangements were made between Shange and the municipality’s travelling agent and that the municipality was unaware of the particulars of his accommodation.

“It’s the first time that the municipality has learnt of the location of the rental property being leaked to hitmen.”
Other concerns, such as Shange’s vehicle not being replaced and the number of his bodyguards not being increased, also surfaced.

“It hasn’t even been three years since the car was bought as a new vehicle. The fact that the vehicle was purchased through a financing lease implies that the municipality would have to pay for two vehicles for a single individual, which is an indication of improper use of public funds,” added April.

He confirmed that Shange is eligible for two bodyguards as part of the determination of upper limits of salaries, allowances, and benefits of different members of municipal councils.

“Any departure from the norm may only be made on the advice of the Saps. The municipal manager does not currently have access to such a report or recommendation.”

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