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In a week of frenzied crowds attending mayoral imbizos, and strike action marked by acts of violence and escalated aggression, one of the mayor’s bodyguards has registered a case of common assault against him.
Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa SAPS, confirms that a case of common assault was registered at the Welkom Police Station on Wednesday, 28 February.
“We know that on this date at 16:45 the executive mayor of Matjhabeng, Thanduxolo Khalipha, was at the Kutloanong High School when residents threw stones at the vehicle used by the mayor. The vehicle wast damaged,” says Thakeng.
He says that apparently the body guards were trying to separate Khalipha from the angry crowd when he allegedly assaulted one of them, injuring the man’s neck and face.
The case of common assault that was registered has been transferred to the Odendaalsrus Police Station for further investigation.
Vista understands that the mayor’s imbizos have become events prone to displays of violent action. On Monday the imbizo in Phomolong ended badly, with the mayor and his entourage literally fleeing for the lives.
One of the councillors in attendance made it out within an inch of her life, and suffered extensive damage in excess of R40 000 to her car. A member of the mayor’s personal staff was left stranded and forced to fend for herself, in an environment she was not familiar with. She managed to escape the angry mob without injury.
No injuries were reported, but councillors and staff who were subjected to the anger of the crowd were emotionally traumatised.
