A female security officer has opened an attempted murder case against the head of Matjhabeng’s controversial “rogue unit”
This follows a shooting incident that has raised fresh questions about the municipality’s disputed investigative unit.
It is alleged that the former Welkom Tactical Response Team member who was appointed to a position not reflected in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s approved organisational structure, discharged a firearm whilst pointing it at the female security officer on 13 November 2025.
Attempted murder charge
The alleged incident occurred at the vandalised Amogela Mall in Welkom’s central business district (CBD).
A case of attempted murder has been opened at Jan Hofmeyr Police Station in Welkom.
In South Africa, pointing and discharging a firearm at someone constitute serious criminal offences that can result in charges ranging from pointing a firearm to aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, unlawful possession of a firearm, or attempted murder, depending on specific circumstances and intent.
This represents a specific offence under Section 120(6) of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, which prohibits pointing any firearm − real or imitation, loaded or unloaded − at a person without justifiable reason, such as a credible self-defense situation.
Faced several charges
The person in question also serves as a driver for the executive mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, during after-hours and weekend periods.
During his tenure with the SAPS, he was arrested and faced several charges, including possession of gold-bearing material weighing 125kg and valued at R2 million, as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Court records indicate multiple cases against him, during which five suspects were arrested and registered.
As far as Vista can ascertain all of these cases were withdrawn between 2017 and 2019. He resigned from the police in 2023.
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Wife of officer discharges firearm
Another security superintendent working alongside him, who serves as Khalipha’s driver, faces his own legal challenges. A case has been opened against him involving his wife allegedly discharging a municipal firearm last year in Odendaalsrus.
Neither officer has faced disciplinary proceedings nor been charged by the municipality.
Both officers allegedly belong to what critics term the “Matjhabeng Rogue Unit” within Public Safety, which has been flagged by the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) following irregular appointments and accusations of unlawful activities both within and outside Matjhabeng.
Rogue unit controversial
The establishment of this investigative unit generated significant controversy in 2022 when Samwu raised alarms about positions being advertised despite not appearing in the municipality’s approved organogram.
The municipality proceeded with advertising, interviewing, and appointing former police officers despite negative vetting process results and the police’s advice against the appointments.
Samwu has referred these unlawful appointments to court and has issued several media statements calling for a forensic investigation into the unit’s alleged illegal operations.
Unresolved allegations questioned
The former Samwu provincial secretary, Tiisetso Mahlatsi, has questioned the unresolved allegations surrounding this “rogue unit”, particularly in light of missing municipal firearms.
This is a scandal that raises grave concerns about public safety, covert operations, and the potential militarisation of local governance, he believes.
“Who authorised this unit? Who financed it? For what purpose was it created? The people of Matjhabeng demand answers,” Mahlatsi asked.
The latest incident adds to mounting pressure on the municipality to address concerns about accountability and oversight within its security operations.
Municipal officials were not available for comment when going to print.
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