The house of cards that the executive mayor of Matjhabeng, Thanduxolo Khalipha, rules over is fast tumbling, with a second criminal charge brought against him in just over eight months.
Despite this, the ANC has drawn a tight circle of protection around Khalipha, blaming detractors and “thieves who have their eyes set on Matjhabeng’s coffers” of causing malicious intent towards the mayor.
On Thursday, 18 April, Khalipha was arrested and charged with one count of common assault, and two counts of crimen injuria. This follows an incident on Wednesday, 28 February, when Khalipha’s bodyguards were trying to separate him from an angry mob at the Kutloanong High School during a mayoral imbizo. He allegedly assaulted one of his bodyguards, 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.
Khalipha has now been summonsed to appear in the Odendaalsrus Magistrates’ Court on 24 May.
The mayor still has a guilty verdict of contempt of court hanging over his head. His leave to appeal was set aside by the High Court on 7 August 2023, and the ruling was delivered on 15 February this year.
Because he has been found to be in contempt of court, Kalipha was to be imprisoned for a period of 30 days, suspended for 30 days on condition that he complied with the finding of the court. This has not yet happened.
Khalipha was sentenced to jail without the option of a fine, which in itself is considered an immediate dismissal by the ANC’s standing rules.
As to the assault charge, the ANC’s guidelines require that ANC members facing charges of serious crimes should present themselves to the integrity commission, voluntarily step aside, and that they resign if convicted.
Dr Igor Scheurkogel, caucus leader of the official opposition party, says the ANC’s failure to act swiftly and decisively in this matter clearly shows that they are not committed to keeping their own accountable.
“The DA in Matjhabeng will approach the Office of the Speaker to investigate the allegations for possible contravention of the code of conduct of councillors. The DA condemns Khalipha’ s actions. This is a true reflection of how this administration has been governed.”
The opposition believes that if the ANC wants to restore any kind of dignity in the Matjhabeng Municipality, they should implement the step-aside rule immediately.
“As the opposition and residents of Matjhabeng, we are very concerned about why the provincial leadership of the ANC has not taken a single step against him. The speaker of the National Assembly has resigned so that the legal proceedings can proceed, but the premier or the president are not taking any steps to remove him while he is bringing so much damage to the municipality and the residents.”
Vista
approached both the speaker of Matjhabeng and the ANC in the district for comment. They were asked if the Matjhabeng council and the regional ANC supported or condemned Khalipha. Further clarity on the ANC’s policy on public officials who have charges brought against them, or who have been found guilty of any criminal charges, was also requested.
Vista
also enquired as to why the “step-aside” rule is not being applied in Khalipha’s case, and why it seems as if the mayor is receiving “special” treatment.
All parties questioned refrained from answering by the time of going to press.
