Last night the DA learned that members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) forcefully and unlawfully opened the Mogalakwena Municipal buildings and Council Chambers to serve the political agenda of the disgraced ex-Mayor, Tlhalefi Mashamaite.

It is reported that Mr Mashamaite returned last night with a police contingent, led by the Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General Benny Ntlemeza, to reclaim the mayorship he was removed from recently.

In April, the council of Mogalakwena Municipality appointed William Mabuela as mayor. Mr Mashamaite was ousted after spending R1 million of the municipality’s money per year to employ 27 bodyguards for his personal protection.

This latest move shows just how destructive and unstable the ANC’s internal politics has become in Limpopo.

Currently the municipality is at a standstill. The legitimate Councillors are being prevented from entering the premises and carrying out their duties as representatives of the community. SAPS are now stationed outside the municipal buildings and are preventing Councillors from entering. A police helicopter circled overhead last night, 2 Nyalas were deployed and approximately 150 police officers with shields and riot gear are in the area.

These SAPS members are in contravention of two court orders prohibiting the disruption of the municipality.

There is a court order issued on the 4th November 2014 and another just last night extending the decision until March 2015. The police are actually in contempt of court.

Nine Councillors were sworn in illegally without a quorum being present during the previous invasions by the SAPS. It is clear that internal ANC factional battles are the root cause of what is happening at Mogalakwena, just days before 10 crucial by-elections are scheduled to be held in the municipality.

It is time that the Police Minister, Nathi Nhleko, steps in to put a stop to the SAPS’ illegal actions in Mogalakwena.

I will write to the Minister of Police to ask him what exactly is going at Mogalakwena, and why his officers have been allowed to take action in contravention of two separate court orders.

Order and service delivery must be restored at Mogalakwena municipality.

 

Issued by DA