The Endumeni Council has resolved not to settle a security bill of R948 000 which was part of a security detail for former Mayor, Thulani Mahaye. A letter of demand from a Ladysmith-based security company was tabled at a Council meeting where it was decided, in committee (which meant Councillor Mahaye and members of the public had to leave the Chamber) that the Council was not responsible for settling the bill.
Speaking to the Courier after the meeting, Councillor Mahaye said while he was the Mayor he was alerted to a security threat against his life in around August 2015.
“Professional security assessments were done for me and Deputy Mayor Mkhize. The security company from Ladysmith then volunteered to protect me and my family as a result of this assessment for a week or so after which an agreement would be discussed.

An agreement was never reached and accounts were then sent (to the municipality). By December, the accounts were still coming in and I asked them to no longer protect me.
“There was never an agreement. Despite this I am grateful to the company for their services without which I fear my children may have by now been orphaned.” Councillor Mahaye said he preferred to speak personally with the owner of the company and settle the matter in an amicable way.