Central SA
High Court orders imprisonment of Matjhabeng Mayor and MM─── LUCKY NKUYANE 15:01 Thu, 16 Nov 2023
“Acting Judge Duduzile Mthimunye then ordered the imprisonment of the two for 30 days but suspended them.”
A Free State High Court has ordered the imprisonment of Matjhabeng’s mayor and municipal manager.
The court ruled Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha and Ronald Nqoqo were in contempt of a court order. They and the Welkom-based municipality were dragged to court over contempt of a court order, which directed them to restore services to the complainant that had been disconnected. Acting Judge Duduzile Mthimunye then ordered the imprisonment of the two for 30 days, but suspended the order provided they comply with a court order to pay.
In a previous court order handed down by Judge Joseph Mhlambi, they were directed to restore the complainant's utility services, including prepaid electricity, to return any property seized, and to write a responding affidavit to the court following the damning judgment against them.
‘Some 11 service providers are reportedly demanding R750 million’
The complaint applied for a contempt of court after the duo failed to comply. Acting Judge Mthimunye has since ruled in the favour of the applicant and ordered his arrest.
OFM News previously reported that ActionSA called for Matjhabeng to be placed under administration and the council to be dissolved.
The municipality’s account was recently attached after two service providers sued the municipality for payment of over R120 million. At least 11 service providers are reportedly demanding a payment of R750 million from the troubled municipality.
