The mayor of Kopanong in the southern Free State has been temporarily suspended as an ANC member after reportedly threatening a resident of Jagersfontein.

A video depicting Trompsburg-based Mayor Xolani Tseletsele verbally attacking and threatening a resident who complained about potholes on Facebook circulating on social media has led to an outcry.

WATCH: Mayor of Kopanong Municipality in Free State (in white vest and black shorts) went to a resident's home in Jagersfontein and threatened him in front of his kids. Tseletsele is angry after the resident complained about potholes on Facebook @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/jHkHFIulUK

— Getrude Makhafola (@GetrudeM) November 20, 2023

“We want to convey our sincere disgust and unprecedented conduct by one of our members, the mayor in a particular municipality in the Free State province,” said ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, expressing concerns over the effect on the party’s image and reputation.

He said Tseletsele’s actions posed a threat to the well-being of an ordinary citizen in his private home, adding it was contrary to the constitutional obligations of ANC public representatives and the values of the ruling party. 

   Free State EFF Chairperson, Maphaule Liphoko, Photo Kekeletso Mosebetsi

EFF Free State Chairperson Maphaule Liphoko compared Tseletsele’s behaviour to that of a “thug” because citizens had the right to complain about services. He said he wasn’t surprised by the incident as this is the caliber of leadership the ANC is giving residents in the province.

“(He’s) an epitome of the ANC leadership, and as such we don’t blame him as a person, as immature as his actions were. We don’t blame him.”

The EFF has sent its leaders to Jagersfontein to encourage the victim to open a case, but he decided against it.

 Free State ActionSA chairperson, Patricia Kopane, Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi 

AcitionSA in the Free State welcomed the mayor’s suspension. It should not be substituted for criminal charges that should be laid against him, said Provincial Chairperson Patricia Kopane. Tseletsele showed that he was not fit to hold public office as he chose to silence community members instead of fixing the roads.

ActionSA will visit the victim and open a case against Tseletsele at the Jagersfontein police station.  Tseletsele has since apologised to the victim and his family.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi         Daphné