Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes with grave concern the criminal case of assault and crimen injuria brought against Mayor Kenalemang Phukuntse of the Tswelopele Local Municipality following an incident involving her bodyguard while on official duty. These allegations strike at the heart of ethical governance and further tarnish the municipality’s already deteriorating reputation.
The DA requests an immediate, full, and independent investigation by the Department of CoGTA into these serious allegations. In addition, we will file charges with the appropriate law enforcement authorities and urge them to act decisively, without fear, favour, or political interference.
Information received by the DA strongly suggests that this is not an isolated incident but part of a deeply troubling pattern of intimidation, bullying, verbal abuse, and unacceptable conduct directed at municipal employees, senior officials, directors, and councillors during EXCO and Council meetings. These allegations have not emerged overnight. The DA has previously escalated concerns about the Mayor’s conduct to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). Alarmingly, these warnings appear to have been ignored or deliberately dismissed, allowing a toxic culture within the municipality to continue unchecked.
The DA was also informed of a disturbing incident involving a long-serving female employee who was allegedly assaulted and verbally abused. Such behaviour is disgraceful, entirely unacceptable, and incompatible with the principles of dignity, professionalism, and accountability expected of public representatives.
Equally concerning are repeated racial remarks and divisive behaviour allegedly directed at DA councillors. Such conduct has no place in a democratic institution and only serves to deepen divisions, poison working relations within the Council, and erode public trust in local government.
While residents of Tswelopele continue to suffer from collapsing infrastructure, poor service delivery, and worsening municipal dysfunction, the municipality remains preoccupied with instability, controversy, and allegations of misconduct. Communities deserve leadership focused on serving residents, not leadership associated with fear, intimidation, and scandal.
The people of Tswelopele deserve ethical, accountable, and respectful leadership.