Central SA
F4SD calls for suspension after alleged assault of pregnant girlfriend─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 10:44 Fri, 05 Jul 2024
“We are shocked that this matter occurred in May just before the general elections, and they have kept quiet, trying to sweep this matter under the carpet.”
The Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) in the Free State has called for the immediate suspension of the deputy director in the provincial government’s Public Works department, amidst a domestic violence case against him.
F4SD’s provincial spokesperson, Khotso Mofokeng, has demanded Phiwe Mathe’s immediate suspension without pay, pending the conclusion of the case against him.
‘We are yet to witness a decisive stance from the MEC regarding one of her own’
“Recently, MEC Dibolelo Mance appeared on television to support GBV victims’ families in the province, notably at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court. However, we are yet to witness a decisive stance from the MEC regarding one of her own employees in this matter. We are shocked that this matter occurred in May just before general elections, and they have kept quiet, trying to sweep this matter under the carpet,” Mofokeng stated.
Reports indicate that Mathe, who also serves as the provincial spokesperson for the ANCYL, is accused of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. It’s understood that he was granted bail of R500. The NPA’s spokesperson for the Free State and Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said Mathe’s next court appearance is scheduled for Friday (12/7), after his matter was Postponed to find an attorney. Senokoatsane noted that he could not share more information at this stage, as it is a domestic violence case.
Meanwhile, Mofokeng urged the Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha Mathae, to denounce the alleged act and to invoke consequence management for the misconduct.
Mlungisi Maqubela, the Head of Communication for the Department of Public Works in the province, confirmed that their department is aware of the incident. He emphasised that the department supports a society that protects women and children. Maqubela added that since the matter is currently before the court, it would be inappropriate for the department to comment further at this stage.
OFM News has reported on the rising incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) in the province, which have prompted organisations and churches, led by the provincial government, to take a firm stance against perpetrators. The call for Mathe's suspension reflects the broader societal demand for accountability and justice in cases of domestic violence.
