MK Party Councillor Alleges Police Minister Tried to Block His Election Bid in KZN

Political Tensions Emerge in KwaDukuza

Doshie “Gaddafi” Govender, a councillor for the MK Party, has publicly alleged that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu tried to orchestrate his arrest ahead of the April by-election in KwaDukuza Municipality. The accusations were shared following testimony from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Govender claims he received advance warnings that authorities were preparing to detain him, potentially undermining his candidacy in Ward 28.

Alleged Interference and Election Maneuvering

According to Govender, Mchunu allegedly leveraged police resources to interfere in the by-election, instructing North Coast station commander Major General Antony Gopal to review his records in search of any justification for arrest.

“On the 19th of September 2025, day 3 of the Madlanga Commission, General Mkhwanazi confirmed that Minister Mchunu attempted to derail my candidacy. The admission was correct and true,” Govender told The Mercury.

Govender left the ANC prior to the by-election, citing perceived racial discrimination within the party’s leadership in the Ilembe Region. He subsequently joined the MK Party, rejecting an offer from ANC officials promising a PR councillor position and top municipal deployment if he withdrew from the race.

Reports of Threats and Community Support

Govender detailed how ANC insiders and municipal officials allegedly collaborated with the Minister of Police to stop him from contesting, reportedly planning his arrest the day before voting.

In response to these alleged threats, Govender said he toured Shakaskraal CBD, where local businesses expressed support for him, undermining efforts to damage his public image. He credits General Gopal with upholding professional integrity, confirming there was no legal basis for arrest.

Minister Mchunu Responds

When approached about the allegations, Minister Mchunu said:

“Yes, I’m aware; I still have to listen to more of these, they are coming. I will, however, be responding at the Commission itself since they were aired there; they require to be rebutted there, my apology.”

This statement comes amid growing scrutiny of political interference in policing, particularly in sensitive local elections.

Public and Political Reactions

The allegations have stirred debate on social media, with many South Africans expressing concern over the politicisation of law enforcement and the undermining of democratic processes at the local level.

Political analysts say Govender’s case highlights broader concerns about the independence of police operations and the potential influence of party politics in South African law enforcement.

As the Madlanga Commission continues, attention will likely turn to further testimony detailing the intersection of politics, policing, and electoral fairness in KwaZulu-Natala region historically fraught with intense political rivalry.

{Source: IOL}

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