Gun in the Council Chamber: Msunduzi Councillor Sparks Outrage and Security Fears

Allegations of intimidation, poor security, and political defiance unsettle a city council already under pressure

In a move that’s left residents of Pietermaritzburg stunned and councillors fearing for their safety, an ANC ward councillor allegedly entered the Msunduzi City Hall chambers armed with a firearm during a full council sitting last week. The incident has ignited widespread outrage across party lines and raised serious concerns about security at the municipality’s political heart.

“Are We Safe Anymore?” Councillors Demand Action

According to Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Garth Middleton, the weapon was spotted during the meeting in full view of councillors, officials, and even the Speaker of Council. “Council chambers are supposed to be places of passionate debate, not armed standoffs,” Middleton said.

He called the incident a blatant violation of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, which expressly prohibits the possession of weapons in council spaces. “We are demanding the councillor’s immediate suspension and disciplinary action that leads to his removal. The Speaker’s flippant response, ‘It’s been dealt with’ is not just inadequate, it’s dangerous.”

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) echoed the DA’s outrage. ACDP councillor Rienus Niemand described the act as “criminal” and “intimidating,” adding that attempts to downplay the incident point to a systemic culture of impunity. “The Rules of Order are clear: this cannot be brushed under the rug.”

EFF Questions How Gun Made It Into Council

EFF councillor Chuma Wakeni took it a step further, demanding a full investigation into security protocols. “We want to know how someone made it from the parking lot into the chamber with a firearm. This is supposed to be a gun-free zone. Where was the screening?”

Wakeni also questioned the councillor’s motive, noting that there had been a protest outside the building by residents from the same ward. “If he brought a gun because he felt threatened by the people he was elected to represent, that’s not leadership. That’s fear-mongering.”

A Symbolic Space Now Under Threat

The Msunduzi City Hall isn’t just another building, it houses the mayor’s office, the municipal manager, and key council decision-makers. Historically, it was even home to members of the executive committee. The idea that a weapon was inside such a space has rattled the council and the community alike.

For locals, it’s more than just a political squabble. City Hall is where promises are made, services planned, and community needs debated. When armed intimidation enters that arena, it sends a chilling message: power, not public service, is at play.

Silence from the Municipality Raises Eyebrows

At the time of publishing, the municipality had not responded to requests for comment, an omission that’s only added to the frustration. With no official explanation or assurance from municipal leadership, speculation continues to swirl.

Social media users in Pietermaritzburg have not held back. On Facebook groups and community WhatsApp chats, residents have labelled the councillor a “cowboy” and questioned how the city can trust those meant to lead. One commenter summed it up: “If they’re carrying guns in council, what are they hiding from us on the streets?”

A Culture of Impunity or a Turning Point?

What’s perhaps most unsettling is the precedent this could set. If councillors can break the rules and the law, without consequence, where does that leave the trust between voters and their leaders?

The ball is now in the Speaker’s court, and pressure is mounting fast. Opposition parties are united in their call for accountability. If the councillor isn’t suspended or investigated, the public may interpret silence as complicity.

One Gun, Many Questions

Why did the councillor bring a firearm? Was it fear? Intimidation? A misguided attempt at self-defense? Whatever the reason, the incident has opened a deep crack in the public perception of Msunduzi’s political leadership.

It’s now up to the municipality to patch it or risk letting the rot seep deeper.

If you’re a resident of Msunduzi or KwaZulu-Natal and feel strongly about gun-free zones in public buildings, let your voice be heard at the next municipal meeting or via your local ward representative.

{Source: IOL}

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