The mayor of the Welkom-based municipality, Thanduxolo Khalipa, appeared at the Odendaalsrus Magistrate's Court again on Friday (1/11) for judgment. The NPA spokesperson in the Free State and Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, told OFM News Khalipha was charged with assault of his driver, crimen injuria, and for calling his driver and assistant driver useless. The case is postponed to 12 December.

The embattled mayor has been placed on step aside by the ANC provincial leadership until he deals with the charges laid against him. He was also placed on 30 days leave after a Matjhabeng council meeting on 25 September. 

As part of the suspension, the council resolved Khalipha must return municipal assets, including the mayoral vehicle, bodyguard, and security services.

Khalipha also has a case of misuse of municipal property. Free State police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, stated a case of the use of a vehicle without the owner’s permission was registered at the Welkom Police Station on 16 October. The case would be transferred to the Provincial Task Team for further investigation.

This after he had claimed he was being targeted and further alleged the ANC was being influenced by faceless individuals, suggesting his prosecution was part of a larger conspiracy.

Meanwhile, videos of jubilant members of the South African Municipal Workers Union were seen circulating on social media platforms, chanting and celebrating the judgment against Khalipha.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg