One of the executive mayor of Matjhabeng’s bodyguards has registered a case of common assault against him.
Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa police, confirms that a case of common assault was registered at the Welkom Police Station on Wednesday, 28 February.
“We know that on this date, at 16:45, the executive mayor of Matjhabeng, Thanduxolo Khalipha, was at the Kutloanong High School when residents threw stones at the vehicle used by the mayor. The vehicle was damaged,” says Thakeng.
He says that, apparently, the bodyguards were trying to separate Khalipha from the angry crowd when he allegedly assaulted one of them, injuring the man’s neck and face.
On Friday, 1 March, Khalipha was charged with common assault for allegedly physically and verbally abusing the bodyguard.
Thakeng says that the case of common assault registered against Khalipha has been transferred to Capt. Paseka Mojaki of the Provincial Investigation unit.
This particular component specialises in the investigations of high-profile cases within the Free State.
No arrests have been made yet, and further details will be communicated as the investigation unfolds, says Thakeng.
Vista understands that the mayor’s imbizos have become events prone to displays of violent actions.
On Monday, 26 February, the imbizo in Phomolong ended badly, with the mayor and his entourage literally fleeing for their lives.
One of the councillors in attendance made it out within an inch of her life, and suffered extensive damage in excess of R40 000 to her car.
A member of the mayor’s personal staff was left stranded and forced to fend for herself, in an environment she was not familiar with.
She, however, managed to escape the angry mob without injury.
No injuries were reported, but councillors and staff who were subjected to the anger of the crowd were emotionally traumatised.
Impatient with the tardiness of the local police and the legal system, the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) is now insisting Khalipha be arrested following the assault charge against him.
Samwu is deeply concerned about the recent developments surrounding the assault case involving Khalipha.
The assault is said to have happened in front of other colleagues.
The bodyguard immediately opened a case at the Welkom Police Station, case number 702/02/24.
“Despite the assault case being opened against Khalipha, he has neither been charged nor arrested for violating the dignity of an employee.
“Capt. Stephen Thakeng of the South African Police Service (Saps) confirmed the registration of a case of common assault against Khalipha on 28 February,” said Papikie Mohale, national media officer of Samwu.
He said that the organisation was troubled by the slow progress in handling this matter.
“The lack of action by the police in charging and arresting Khalipha reinforces his self-proclamation of being powerful and untouchable.
“This action further vindicates the union’s call for Khalipha to be removed as the mayor, as he has shown to be a bully and harasser of employees.
“As a union, we refuse to stand idly by while the justice system is manipulated for the benefit of one individual at the expense of the victim,” said Mohale.
