The mayor of Matjhabeng and his municipal manager (MM) are evading arrest by using nondescript delay tactics that are again costing the ratepayers dearly.
Three weeks ago the High Court in Bloemfontein found both the mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, and the MM, Ronald Ngoqo, to be in contempt of court. They were each sentenced to 30 days in jail, without the option of a fine. This was suspended on condition they restore the utility services on the property of the applicant, Joseph Ndayi.
To date, neither of the two have been arrested; nor have the services to this property been restored.
They were also directed to return the property municipal officials (allegedly the personal bodyguards of the mayor) had seized from Ndayi.
This included a smart television, two bush cutters, a chainsaw, and a lawnmower. They did not do this.
On 15 November Khalipha and Ngoqo filed a request for reasons of judgement from the high court.
Ndayi says they are trying to intimidate the police, telling them that they have applied for reasons of the judgement.
“I am pushing the commissioner to file the SAP 69 (list of an accused’s previous convictions). The mayor cannot continue being one with a criminal record, and he is abusing the municipality’s money by doing this appeal with public funds.”
According to Igor Scheurkogel, DA councillor, the fourth floor of the mayor’s office is trapped in a corner full of unfulfilled promises.
“They are failing every single resident of Matjhabeng. The continuous push by the mayor and municipal manager to litigate is irresponsible and wasteful spending, which again adds to the already cash-strapped municipality.
“The continuous abuse of powers will let ratepayers sit with poor or no services on an ongoing basis because of this self-serving political grandstanding campaign.”
Armand Cloete of the FF Plus says the mayor continues to be in the media for the wrong reasons.
“There are legal avenues to ensure the municipality is paid for services, and if it is true that the mayor did not act accordingly, he has not only tainted his own integrity, but also that of the municipality.
“This matter will possibly cost the municipality’s residents litigation expenses that our communities cannot afford.”
