The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West province has taken a decision to suspend the City of Matlosana Local Municipality councillor, Lesole Malefo – who is the member of the EFF, on Wednesday, 04 March 2026.
It is alleged that Malefo [councillor] demanded sexual favours from a rape victim – who approached him for assistance.
The 18-year-old victim from Jacaranda near Alabama approached Malefo after being disappointed by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) from Klerksdorp who failed to assist her on time. In a video circulating on social media, she raised her frustration on what she deemed as slow pace on investigation of her rape case.
“The EFF strongly condemns the alleged conduct of the police and the injustice suffered by the victim, particularly the disturbing claim that she was told to search for the suspect herself. Such conduct, if true, represents a gross dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the constitutional mandate to protect vulnerable members of society.”
“Furthermore, in the same video, the victim alleges that she approached Cllr Lesole Malefo for assistance, who in turn solicited sexual favours from her. The EFF treats these allegations with the utmost seriousness. The organisation has accordingly instituted internal disciplinary processes, and Cllr Lesole Malefo is on suspension pending the outcome of investigations.
“The EFF delegation met with the family to offer support, and reaffirmed its uncompromising stance against gender-based violence and any form of exploitation of vulnerable women. Justice must prevail, and all institutions entrusted with public confidence must act decisively and lawfully,” said EFF’s provincial secretary Papiki Babuile.
On Tuesday, City Report reported the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management Wessels Morweng called for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality to work around the clock to arrest suspect involved in the rape of the 18-year-old teenager from Jacaranda near Alabama in the City of Matlosana.
“According to the police, the incident occurred on the 26 January 2026 and the case was opened at Klerksdorp police station.
“MEC Morweng immediately the meeting visited the family after his meeting with senior police. During his visit, MEC assured the family that the police will work 24 hours to make sure that the suspect is arrested,” said the department in a statement.
Morweng assured speedy and thorough investigation on the case and engaged with the Department of Social Development to offer psycho-social support to the victim and the family as a whole. Babuile indicated that the perpetrator has handed himself over to the police on Wednesday.
