Trouble at Thembelihle municipality

A high ranking official from Thembelihle municipality is expected to appear in the Phillipstown magistrate’s court on Wednesday after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend over the weekend.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police were investigating an assault GBH case following the alleged assault of a 37 year old woman by her boyfriend in Phillipstown on January 5.

“The police arrested the 36 year old suspect and he will appear in the Phillipstown magistrates court on January 8. Police investigations are continuing.”

EFF Thembelihle councillor Leonard Makenna condemned the incident.

“It is an abhorrent travesty that a figure of authority is implicated in a horrific act of gender based violence and femicide. It is imperative that those in positions of power and influence are held accountable for their actions. We urge the authorities to expedite the legal proceedings against the official to ensure that justice is served.”

FF+ Thembelihle councillor Paul van Niekerk believed that the official should step down.

“He was kept in custody since Sunday following an alleged domestic violence incident. GBVF has turned into a pandemic and the allegations are viewed in a serious light. An official of his stature is expected to set an example for the rest of society. Steps should be taken against him for breaching the behaviour expected of senior officials.”

He indicated that should no action be taken by the municipality, the FF+ would call a special council meeting to suspend him pending the finalisation of the criminal investigation.

Meanwhile the police are monitoring the situation after about 300 workers employed on a solar plant near Hopetown demanded answers from Thembelihle municipality on Tuesday.

FF+ Thembelihle councillor Paul Van Niekerk added that workers were unhappy that a few workers from Ritchie were recruited on the solar plant project while they did not reside in the Pixley ka Seme district.

“The official who was arrested for the assault GBH, is the same person who needs to respond to the workers.”

EFF Thembelihle councillor Leonard Makenna stated that workers were unhappy over the payment tariffs that were negotiated on their behalf by Thembelihle municipality.

“Workers feel that their concerns are being ignored and are threatening to embark on strike action. Representatives were locked in meetings until late afternoon with councillors on Tuesday.”

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane indicated that about 300 employees of the solar plant near Hopetown requested a meeting with the local Thembelihle municipality on Tuesday over alleged salary disputes.

“No violent activities have been reported to the SAPS. Members of De Aar Public Order Police as well as Hopetown SAPS are currently monitoring the situation.”

More information will follow once Thembelihle municipality has responded to media enquiries.