Members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in Matjhabeng, Free State, have embarked on a protest demanding to know why the mayor has not yet been arrested.
This comes after the mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, assaulted one of his bodyguards in February.
Khalipha’s VIP bodyguard, Frank Moreroa, opened a case of assault against Khalipha, and since the matter was registered with the police, the mayor is still walking free.
March to council offices
On Friday, Samwu members, who are also workers of the Matjhabeng local municipality, downed tools and marched to the council, demanding that Khalipha be arrested with immediate effect.
Samwu Free State provincial secretary, Tiisetso Mahlatsi, said: “The South African Municipal Workers Union is deeply concerned about the recent developments surrounding the assault case involving the mayor of Matjhabeng local municipality, Thandixolo Khalipha, who is currently facing common assault charges.
“On the 28th of February 2024, a Samwu member, who is an employee of the Matjhabeng local municipality and tasked with protecting Khalipha, was assaulted multiple times by Khalipha in front of other colleagues while returning from an Imbizo.”
Mahlatsi claimed that despite Moreroa opening a case, Khalipha is still wandering the streets as if nothing has happened.
Powerful and untouchable
“Despite the assault case being opened against Khalipha, he has neither been charged nor arrested for violating the dignity of an employee,” Mahlatsi said.
“Captain Stephen Thakeng of the South African Police Service [SAPS] confirmed the registration of a case of common assault against Khalipha on February 28 2024.
“As Samwu, we are concerned about the lack of progress in handling this issue.
“The lack of action by the SAPS in charging and arresting Khalipha reinforces his self-proclamation of being powerful and untouchable.”
According to Mahlatsi, the ANC politician had been proven to be a harasser and bully of staff members, noting that his actions further supported the union’s demand that Khalipha be removed from his position as mayor.
Taking matters into own hands
“As a union, we refuse to stand idly by while the justice system is manipulated for the benefit of one individual at the expense of the victim.
“Samwu therefore unequivocally demands that Khalipha be promptly charged and arrested for the common assault case lodged against him.
“We urge both the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Agency [NPA] not to incite workers and community members through their lack of action.
“Should workers and community members take matters into their own hands to hold Khalipha accountable, the SAPS and NPA should bear the responsibility for failing to act appropriately and timeously.”
An investigation is complete
Free State police spokesperson, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, said: “Kindly take note that not all criminal offences require the police to effect an arrest.
“The investigation in the common assault case is complete, and the matter was referred by the commander to the director of public prosecution to decide whether to prosecute or not.”
