OPPOSITION parties in the troubled Mbhashe municipality have threatened to organise their own security after an ANC councillor allegedly attended a council meeting with a loaded firearm.

The Congress of the People (COPE) and United Democratic Movement (UDM) yesterday expressed concerns that ANC councillor Mbongi Noyila, who was acting mayor during last Wednesday's special council meeting, had entered council chambers allegedly carrying a firearm.

Complaints were raised and Noyila left to put the firearm in his car before rejoining the meeting.

Noyila denied the accusations and said he was carrying a "stamp" in his pocket.

COPE councillor Nkosinathi Ndlodaka said: "This is utter disrespect for council rules and clear attempt to intimidate opposition councillors. We have no doubt there was a premeditated plan to cause harm to some of us."

COPE has since written a letter of complaint to council speaker Mkhululi Mcotsho. The party wants Noyila to apologise and for the matter to be reported to police.

Noyila said: "These are just people wanting to score political points. I never took a gun to council and only had a stamp in my jacket."

UDM councillor Mzimkhulu Tetyana said last week's drama started when there was "commotion" over the ANC holding its caucus meeting in council chambers precisely when the council meeting was suppose to sit.

"Even though there was no physical confrontation, some opposition councillors were insulted. This was before we noticed the acting mayor had a gun on him. We complained and he left to stash this weapon before rejoining the meeting," said Tetyana.

Mcotsho confirmed receipt of COPE's letter, but added there was no need for a probe as "no one saw the actual gun and no evidence of such was presented to my office".

In July Mbhashe chief financial officer Siyasanga Ndakisa resigned amid allegations that two gunmen entered his office and threatened to kill him if he did not resign.