Molala told OFM News he was informed of the council’s decision by the Acting Mayor, Mosioua Poho, this morning. He says the council - a coalition formed after by-elections last year November - held a meeting yesterday evening without his presence or that of the Speaker of the municipality. He alleges that it was at this meeting that the decision was made, based on allegations of his involvement in tender irregularities, among others, at the municipality. Molala denies the allegations unequivocally, telling OFM News they were merely concocted to oust him and make way for more favourable candidates.

He says he is being attacked because he has refused to hire people irregularly.

After the new council came into power in December 2017, questions were raised around Molala’s new contract which had come into effect around the same time. He says the council was unhappy with his contract and attempted to nullify it. He was suspended in February this year, over the above-mentioned contractual issues. He thereafter launched a court bid to fight the decision and says the matter was postponed to September and an interim order was granted, allowing him to return to work in May.

The municipality has long been marred by local governance issues and political interference.

Its council was dissolved last year July after they failed to pass their budget for the year.

The Metsimaholo Local Municipality has not yet responded to OFM News’ enquiries, with Poho saying they will issue a written response to the questions.

OFM News/Katleho Morapela and Olebogeng Motse