Investigations continue into the common assault case against the Matjhabeng mayor after he slapped one of his bodyguards and swore at them.

The case was opened at the Welkom police station on Wednesday (28/2) by one of his bodyguards. This incident happened after the mayor attended a community meeting at the Kutlwanong High School in Odendaalsrus. His bodyguards removed him from the scene and helped him into a car after violence erupted.

Upon arrival at the car, community members started throwing stones at the car and broke the rear window.

The rear window was broken by community members in Odendaalsrus. Picture supplied

“We can confirm a common assault case was opened against the Matjhabeng Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha at the Welkom police station by his bodyguard,” said Free State police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng. “The case has been transferred to the Odendaalsrus police station for further investigation.”

City Press reports in a statement written by the bodyguard he was instructed to stop the vehicle and when he did the mayor slapped him four times and swore at him and his colleague. After the assault, the mayor instructed the bodyguards to take the damaged car to the office and he got into another vehicle.

This was not the first time residents attacked or blocked the mayor from addressing them. Protesters wanted to block the mayor of Matjhabeng from entering Phomolong to address residents.

“Stones were thrown at the police and POP members responded with stun grenades, teargas, and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters. Four suspects were arrested for public violence and six more for looting shops,” said Thakeng.

Calls for the mayor to resign are part of the grievances of the Samwu members who have been on a protected strike for five weeks.

UPDATE: “As SAMWU, we are troubled by the slow progress in handling this matter. The lack of action by the SAPS in charging and arresting Khapila reinforces his self-proclamation of being powerful and untouchable. This action further vindicates the Union’s call for Khalipha to be removed as the Mayor as he has shown to be a bully and harasser of employees,” said Samwu's provincial secretary, Tiisetso Mahlatsi.

“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 Khapila be promptly charged and arrested for the common assault case lodged against him. Furthermore, we urge both the SAPS and the NPA not to incite workers and community members through their lack of action.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg