Ethekwini ward 48 councillor Michelle Lutchmen claims she is facing a smear campaign by certain individuals in Phoenix after social media posts defaming her were created. 

A social media post titled ‘crime & corruption in ward 48: DA Caught out’ has been circulating after Durban Metro Police and the SAPS raided a building on Clayfield Road on Wednesday.  

The social media post alleged that what was once a government-owned property is now exposed as a criminal hideout linked directly to Lutchmen and her lead ward committee member. The post also called for her and the ward committee’s removal. 

“In a high-level joint operation by municipal officials and SAPS, the truth came tumbling out: What exactly is the DA running here in Ward 48? A constituency office or a criminal enterprise?” an extract from the allegation in a lengthy post read.

 “And to the rest of the committee members: If you’re innocent, speak up. Silence is complicity. Your community is watching. So is the law,” the post claimed. 

On the raid, municipal area-based operations directorate and the SAPS led an enforcement operation at a “hijacked” building that was previously owned by the Department of Public Works on Clayfield Drive in Phoenix.

In a statement, the municipality explained that during the operation, officials confiscated dagga, illegal cigarettes, stripped car parts, car keys for 10 vehicles, 15 computer hard drives, car jamming devices, and crime scene cordoning off tape. They also removed illegal water and electricity connections. The building occupants were not found during the police raid.

Lutchmen believes this incident represents political opportunism. She said WhatsApp group administrators who allowed the posts without verification may face legal action She is consulting with her legal team to address the matter. 

“I am confident any investigation will prove that I have done absolutely nothing wrong,” she said. 

Tim Brauteseth MPL – Democratic Alliance PINK (Phoenix, Intuzuma, iNanda and KwaMashu) constituency head welcomed the police action on illicit activities and encouraged further such raids to reduce crime in Phoenix.

Brauteseth was concerned that unsubstantiated allegations are now surfacing from political opponents to link the DA to this building.

“The DA firmly states that there is no constituency office at this address, nor does any DA councillor have a formal office there,” he said. 

Notwithstanding this, Brauteseth said they have taken note of the allegations and will conduct an investigation to determine any involvement by DA councillors to this building and if they find any misconduct, the DA will take firm action.

“The DA will never condone any illicit activity by any of our members. We assure the residents of Phoenix that these allegations will be fully investigated without fear or favour. I have written to the national Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, requesting that the property be immediately closed down and that all illegal occupants be evicted. The DA is committed to safe neighbourhoods free of crime and will not stop in pursuit of this goal,” Brauteseth stated. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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