- Khalipha faces second assault charge
- His arrest for contempt of court still pending
- He “threatened to get people to kill the complainant if he does not make people respect him as the executive mayor”
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Facing a second charge of assault, Thanduxolo Khalipha, executive mayor of Matjhabeng, remains in the hot seat.
On 15 May, the leader of the political party ACT was addressing a meeting in ward 13, Thabong, when he was confronted by the mayor. An argument ensued, and Khalipha allegedly pointed a finger at the 45-year-old Belly David Ntsuku, pressing it against his chest and forehead.
“It is further alleged that the suspect said he will get people to kill the complainant if he does not make people respect him as the executive mayor,” says Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the police in Lejweleputswa.
Vista understands from a source who would like to remain anonymous, that Khalipha also assaulted a ward councillor on the same day. The councillor did not lay charges for fear of repercussion. Vista has this councillor’s name.
Referring to the Ntsuku case, Thakeng says a case of common assault and intimidation has been registered. “There have been no arrests and the investigation continues,” says Thakeng.
In February, the mayor allegedly assaulted one of his bodyguards.
Khalipha was arrested on 18 April, and on Friday, 1 March, he was charged with common assault for, allegedly, physically and verbally abusing the bodyguard.
He appeared in the Odendaalsrus Magistrates’ court on 24 May, and was released on own recognisance. He must again appear in court on 24 May.
The mayor still has a guilty verdict of contempt of court hanging over his head. His leave to appeal was set aside by the High Court on 7 August 2023, and the ruling was delivered on 15 February this year.
Because he has been found to be in contempt of court, Khalipha was to be imprisoned for a period of 30 days, suspended for 30 days on condition that he comply with the finding of the court. This has not yet happened.
