Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Piet Botha and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL.
The DA calls for an independent investigation into allegations that SAPS members failed to properly deal with a Matjhabeng Municipality employee who was found damaging municipal property. We will report this matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
The information received by the DA comes from a credible whistleblower with first-hand knowledge of the incident.
According to the information provided by the whistleblower, a senior municipal official instructed Security to contact SAPS and lay a charge for damage to municipal property. Affidavits and other evidence were compiled and handed to SAPS together with the suspect. However, when the official later went to Welkom SAPS to obtain the case number, they were reportedly told that no case existed and that the suspect had not been detained.
The DA was further informed that the suspect’s sister is employed in the Executive Mayor’s Office and has political connections.
The DA will refer these allegations to IPID for investigation and will not interfere in any criminal process. Voters deserve to know that police officials are held accountable and that municipal property is protected.
Vote DA on 4 November 2026 to make Matjhabeng work again.