The controversial mayor in Matjhabeng local municipality, Thanduxolo Khalipha, found himself in trouble after he was arrested on Thursday.
Free State Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said: “We can confirm that the Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng, Councillor Thanduxolo Khalipha, 63, has been formally charged on 18 April 2024.”
Charges of common assault
Thakeng said Kalipha faced charges of common assault and two counts of crimen injuria. He will appear in the Odendaalsrus magistrate’s court on May 24, 2024, said Thakeng.
The troubled politician was released on a warning after his arrest on Thursday.
Khalipha was arrested following an assault case that was opened by his VIP bodyguard in February.
The ANC leader in Free State was arrested and taken to Welkom police station for processing. His fingerprints were also scanned during processing.
Khalipha’s bodyguard, Frank Moreroa, opened the case against him. This after the mayor had given him several warm klaps in the community meeting that went rowdy when the residents attacked the mayor and other councillors in Kutlwanong, a township outside Welkom.
Mayor allegedly slapped him and swore at him
During the commotion, community members were baying for Khalipha’s blood after he allegedly insulted them while campaigning for elections.
Moreroa was with another bodyguard, Sphamandla Msomi. Both men felt the wrath of Khalipha, who accused them of not defending him when the community was chasing him from the hall to his car, where he was pelted with rocks.
When they got into the car, another resident hit the window of the car with a rock, missing Khalipha by a few inches while he was seated at the back.
Moreroa said that in a fit of rage, Khalipha choked him and slapped him on the face so hard that he even saw stars.
“Thanduxolo slapped me so hard that I saw the stars and got dizzy in that moment. He accused us of failing to protect him when he was attacked by the community. We saved him on that day as we whisked him off and ran to the car,” said Moreroa.
Accused them of not protecting him against community attacks
Msomi also said that Khalipha insulted them and said that they can f*** off if they don’t want to work with him. Both bodyguards have since left their jobs. This after they stated that they feared for their lives and safety.
When contacted for comment on Saturday, Khalipha, who sounded defeated and agitated, refused to comment.
“You can call my lawyer, advocate (Zola) Majavu. I am no longer answering that,” he said.
Majavu said: “I am not prepared to comment except to confirm that I will represent him in trial.”
