Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku, has dismissed viral claims that he was kidnapped during a law enforcement operation in Alexandra Township, describing the allegations circulating on social media as false and misleading.
According to his spokesperson, Rhulani Mgwambane, municipal officials and officers were met with aggressive resistance while raiding a property suspected of operating an illegal brothel and gambling den.
“Contrary to these claims, the incident occurred when municipal administrators and JMPD officers, accompanied by the MMC, encountered resistance from aggressive security personnel at a premises suspected of operating as an illegal brothel and gambling site.”
He added that the security personnel attempted to obstruct the team’s inspection duties, leading to a brief escalation where they tried, but failed, to lock the doors.
Mgwambane also revealed that JMPD operation officers promptly called for backup from specialised units, including the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) and K9 Unit. Within minutes, the situation was de-escalated, a suspect was neutralised, and a firearm along with ammunition was confiscated. A thorough search of the premises followed.
He added that a report claiming the MMC was “kidnapped” misrepresents the events and is completely false.
“Throughout the operation, the MMC was accompanied by journalist Alex Patrick, whose subsequent reporting does not accurately reflect the events on the ground. The interpretation of an article by News24 as “kidnapping of MMC Public safety by a brothel pimp” is misleading and unfounded,” he added.
Mgwambane warned that media outlets must verify their facts before publishing and stop spreading false narratives.
The Star