Mayor Richard Mbatha and two other men, including an Estcourt Councillor, are to appear in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of plotting to kill Endumeni Speaker, Bongiwe Mbatha.

Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo, Hawks spokesman, told the Courier that the trio were arrested in a pre-dawn raid today by the Political Task Team with the assistance of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) after the team intercepted information of a plot to allegedly assassinate the Municipal Speaker.

The three suspects allegedly planned an assassination plot against the Speaker who is alleged to be an obstacle in the awarding of a tender. It is understood the Speaker allegedly suspected undue influence and possible corruption in the process.

The three suspects are expected to appear at the Estcourt Magistrate Court later today for conspiracy to murder and other related charges.