The eThekwini Metro is under pressure to explain why metro police cars, driven by City officers, led a motorcade of the MK Party in Durban.

The fresh allegations came a few days after the mayor of eThekwini, Mxolisi Kaunda, moved to deny news reports that suggested he was supporting the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which had the backing of former president Jacob Zuma.

Zuma, a respected political figure in KwaZulu-Natal, recently threw his weight behind the party.

ActionSA's provincial chairperson, Zwakele Mncwango, wrote to eThekwini's City manager, Musa Mbhele, to inquire as to why metro officers, in City vehicles, were providing motorcade support for the newly-registered political party. 

However, the City told News24 it offered the service to everyone, including the media.

In his 8 January letter to Mbhele, Mncwango said his party wasn't happy with the involvement of the metro police in the MK Party's motorcade. 

"The involvement of the metro police in a political gathering once more raises questions about the integrity and impartiality of the municipality," Mncwango said.

News24 has seen a video showing a single metro police vehicle being followed by a number of vehicles.

Mncwango asked Mbhele why the metro police was leading the motorcade, in what capacity it was doing so, and who had given the authority. 

He demanded answers be given to him within seven days. 

Responding to a News24 query, eThekwini spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said it was in the legislative remit of the metro to enforce by-laws, traffic control and crime prevention. 

"Anything that happens in a public road, within the municipal jurisdiction, the metro police is expected to attend to it in terms of its legislative mandate in relation to traffic control," she said. 

"Any organisation, be it a media organisation, labour organisation, political party organisation or non-government organisation, may apply to have a motorcade parade or protest through any part of the municipality, and the Durban metro police is expected to manage traffic control in this regard, subject to the availability of resources."

She said the MK Party was escorted by SAPS and the metro police "after they [MK Party] procedurally requested, and Section 4 meetings were held in this regard". 

Section 4 meetings deal with the security of mostly political events.

She said there was "nothing untoward" because the City had assisted different political parties, including the IFP, EFF, ANC and even the Springboks. 

However, a question relating to how many vehicles had been used and a request for News24 to see the MK Party's formal application went unanswered.

The MK Party's interim spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndlela, didn't respond to a request for an interview and his phone rang to voicemail. His comments will be added when he responds.

Mncwango claimed the municipality had a tendency to use its assets and coffers to fund political party activities.

He referred to recent allegations that the ANC Women's League used the Durban International Convention Centre, even though it was paid for by the City under the purpose of a non-political event for women's awards.

The City denied the allegations, even though an investigation recommended the suspension of a senior manager.

Mncwango said ActionSA would continue to press for answers on the MK Party motorcade issue.