BULTFONTEIN – Tensions are mounting within the Tswelopele Local Municipality following revelations that the recently axed Mayor, Kenalemang Rose Phukuntsi, has failed to return the official mayoral vehicle.
HOOPSTAD COMMUNITY THREATENS SHOWDOWN AS OUSTED TSWELOPELE MAYOR RETAINS OFFICIAL VEHICLE
The continuous retention of the state vehicle has forced the newly elected Mayor, Mantso Radienyane, to utilize her private vehicle for official municipal duties. Insiders state that this arrangement significantly compromises the new mayor’s security and logistical efficiency just as she is expected to launch her administration’s critical first 100 days in office.
The political standoff has sparked outrage among local residents. A community member from Hoopstad has issued an ultimatum, warning that if Phukuntsi does not return the state vehicle, the community will march to her residence.
“If she does not return the state car, the community will have no choice but to approach 4 Cooper Street, where she stays,” the community member warned. The property at 4 Cooper Street in Hoopstad has previously been a focal point of public scrutiny regarding its occupancy status.
Compounding the controversy, the municipal Head of Security—who is reportedly in a romantic relationship with the former mayor—was recently spotted driving the state-owned vehicle alongside Phukuntsi, raising serious questions regarding the unauthorized use of municipal assets.
Administrative Paralysis
The vehicle dispute highlights a deeper administrative crisis within the municipality. Tswelopele is currently operating without a Director of Corporate Services. Sources reveal that the director, Sabata Rabanye was suspended by the former mayor after refusing to comply with irregular and unlawful directives.
In the wake of this administrative vacuum, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Thabiso Matyson has taken on dual responsibilities, currently serving as the Acting Municipal Manager (MM) to keep basic operations running.
Efforts to reach the Acting Municipal Manager for an official response regarding the state vehicle and the timeline for its recovery were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
