A second case of common assault and intimidation has been registered against the Matjhabeng mayor in a space of three months.

Thanduxulo Kalipha (63) already faces charges of common assault and two counts of crimen injuria after allegedly assaulting his bodyguard in February. He was summoned to appear in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court on Friday (24/5).

A 45-year-old complainant alleged that he was pointed with a finger on his forehead and chest on Wednesday (15/5) at about 09:46 on Constantia Road, Thabong. “It is further alleged that the suspect said he would get people to kill the complainant if he did not make people respect him as the executive mayor,” said Free State police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng.

‘Khalipha was previously arrested and released on a warning’

“A case of common assault and intimidation has been registered and nobody has been arrested thus far as the investigation continues.”

Khalipha was previously arrested, on Thursday 18 April, and released on a warning to appear in court later after allegedly assaulting his bodyguard.

This incident happened after the mayor attended a community meeting at the Kutlwanong High School in Odendaalsrus. His bodyguards removed him from the scene and helped him into a car after violence erupted. Upon arrival at the car, community members started throwing stones at the car and broke the rear window.

Free State mayor arrested for alleged assault of bodyguard

In a statement written by the bodyguard, he was instructed to stop the vehicle, and when he did the mayor slapped him four times and swore at him and his colleague. After the assault, the mayor instructed the bodyguards to take the damaged car to the office and he got into another vehicle.

“We can confirm a common assault case was opened against the Matjhabeng mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, at the Welkom police station by his bodyguard,” said Thakeng. “The case has been transferred to the Odendaalsrus police station for further investigation.”

Samwu members previously called for the removal of Khalipha as mayor “as he has shown to be a bully and harasser of employees,” said Samwu's provincial secretary, Tiisetso Mahlatsi.  

Calls increase for Matjhabeng mayor to vacate office

OFM News reported that political parties and unions called for Khalipha to resign after complaints about his conduct towards employees and maladministration allegations, including misuse of municipal property.

OFM News previously reported that protesters wanted to prevent him from entering Phomolong to speak to them. “Investigations revealed that protesters wanted to block the executive mayor of Matjhabeng from entering Phomolong to address residents. Stones were thrown at the police and POP members responded with stun grenades, tear smoke, and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters,” said Thakeng.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg