Investigation launched into death threats against Theewaterskloof Municipality Speaker
Police are investigating an intimidation case after death threats were made against Theewaterskloof Speaker Weldon Wells and his family.
Image: File
Police are investigating a case of alleged death threats against Theewaterskloof Municipality Speaker Weldon Wells, after a complaint was opened in Villiersdorp.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that a case of intimidation has been registered for investigation.
“Be advised that the complainant received a death threat, and a case of intimidation was registered for investigation. Also towards his wife and child,” Van Wyk said.
He said the suspect claimed to know the complainant’s movements, as well as details relating to his wife and child, including the child’s school.
“Investigations continue, no arrest as yet,” he said.
According to the GOOD Party, the threats were sent via text message, warning that Wells and his family would be killed if he did not step down from his position.
In a statement, GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron condemned the threats, describing them as an attack on democratic processes.
“Speaker of Theewaterskloof Municipality, Weldon Wells, and his family have been warned that if he does not step down from his position, they will be murdered,” Herron said.
Herron said it was unclear who was behind the threats, noting that recent political tensions in the municipality may have contributed to the situation.
Speaker of Theewaterskloof Municipality, Weldon Wells.
Image: Supplied
“It’s difficult to determine where the threat originates. The rebuke won’t have made the DA happy, but it may equally have created unfulfilled expectations in other parties that GOOD was going to exit the coalition,” he said.
The GOOD Party is part of a coalition government with the Democratic Alliance in Theewaterskloof. The latest developments come after the party publicly criticised the DA mayor earlier this week over a directive affecting after-hours responses to water and sewerage leaks.
The dispute has added to pressure in a municipality that forms part of the Western Cape’s key water catchment areas.
The municipality has also faced political tensions in recent years, alongside ongoing service delivery challenges, particularly around water and sanitation infrastructure.
Herron stressed that coalition politics should not come at the expense of democratic principles or public safety.
“The GOOD Party does not participate in coalitions to become horse traders. We enter coalitions which we believe will govern most coherently to the best advantage of communities,” he said.
“Even so, our entering coalitions does not mute our independent voice or our values, as the mayor of Theewaterskloof experienced this week.”
He further warned against the increasing intensity of political contestation ahead of upcoming local government elections.
“The looming local government election is shaping up to be the most contested in history. Elections are not gang or faction fights, they are battles of ideas,” Herron said.
“It is incumbent on all political parties to educate their supporters about what democracy means. Citizens in democracies have the power to change their governments. This power is exercised through using their votes.”
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the investigating officer or Crime Stop.