Central SA
Free State ANC mum on step aside principle─── LUCKY NKUYANE 12:27 Thu, 09 Jun 2022
The ANC’s Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) in the Free State is tight lipped on whether it has issued two legally troubled mayors in the province with letters of suspension in terms of its step-aside policy.
This, despite receiving a report into the alleged criminal cases currently in court in the Theunissen and Bulfontein Magistrate’s courts respectively, over charges including incitement of violence, theft and crimen injuria.
ALSO READ: Free State ANC faces step aside dilemma
The mayor of the Theunissen based Masilonyana Municipality, Dimakaso Modise, was arrested by the police last month after she was linked to violent protests in both theMasilo and Makeleketla townships in 2021.
ALSO READ: Trouble mounts for Free State mayor
Police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, previously said in a statement that on 2 February the Bulfontein based Tswelopele mayor, Kenalemang Phukuntsi apparently visited several foreign-owned shops and took items worth R60 000.
Meanwhile, the ANC’s IPC spokesperson, Oupa Khoabane, however tells OFM News that the step aside principle is the decision of the ANC; adding no structure can avoid it when the need arises.
The Lejweleputswa ANC’s Regional Interim Committee (RIC) spokesperson, Tsekiso Majake, tells OFM News that a report about the two legally embattled mayors has been given to the IPC and the matter is receiving attention.
Majake says once the matter is concluded the organisation will formally communicate its outcomes.
If the ANC rules that the two should step aside due to the charges, they will be among the first ANC officials to be suspended from their positions following the 2021 elections.
