‘Councillor Mafana abused his power to get me arrested’

• Published date: 07 May 2024
• Publication title: Herald, The (Port Elizabeth, South Africa)

A Transnet employee who spent Workers’ Day locked in a holding cell at the Motherwell police station has accused Nelson Mandela Bay councillor Thembinkosi Mafana of orchestrating his arrest under false pretences

The man, who declined to be named, was arrested on May 1 for allegedly pointing a BB gun at Mafana near the Qona informal settlement in Wells Estate.

However, his case was not enrolled due to a lack of evidence and he was released on May 2. He alleges that Mafana lied to the police.

At the time, police spokes-person Captain Andre Beetge said Mafana, who drives a VW Polo, had contacted the police to inform them that someone had pointed a firearm at him.

Police officers on patrol responded and pulled over the man’s vehicle.

A BB gun was confiscated and he was arrested.

The man, who contacted The Herald, said an argument had started between him and Mafana after they almost collided at an intersection on St George’s Road.

“I was in Motherwell that day because I have four jikelezas that operate in the area.

“I went to Wells Estate to check on one of the drivers who lives there,” he said.

“I was coming from the Motherwell shopping centre side and Mafana came from the direction of Truckers Inn when we almost bumped each other.”

He said they exchanged words and he drove off.

“I realised that he had been following me.

“I panicked because I did not know who he was and suddenly three police vehicles pulled up and I was forced to stop.” He said he had not pointed the BB gun at Mafana.

The police searched his vehicle, confiscated the BB gun and he was taken to the...