Note to Broadcasters: Please find linked soundbites in English and Afrikaans by CJ Steyl MPL.
The DA in North West opened criminal cases against the Ditsobotla mayor-pretender, Cllr Molefe Morutse (ANC), the Speaker-pretender, Cllr Manana Bogatsu (EFF), and the Municipal Manager-pretender, Mr Oloatse Bojosinyane, under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Act 12 of 2004, for fraud, intimidation, coercion, and extortion.
These criminal cases relate to the establishment of an illegal parallel Ditsobotla Council at a meeting held in March 2025, where it is alleged that fraudulent resignation letters from the legitimate Mayor, Speaker and legally appointed Acting Municipal Manager were presented and where they were illegally removed from office.
After this illegal parallel Council meeting, Mr Bojosinyane managed to gain access to the Ditsobotla municipal offices, resulting in two gunfights which saw two persons injured and the death of another.
In addition, by some form of manipulation, it is alleged that Mr Bojosinyane gained access to the Ditsobotla municipal bank account, completely subverting the authority of the legitimate Council and its officials. All transactions facilitated by Mr Bojosinyane since his hostile takeover are tantamount to fraud, if not theft.
In addition, this unlawful parallel troika and Council have not only resorted to violence but now employ mafia tactics like intimidation, coercion and extortion by withholding the salaries of Councillors and municipal workers who refuse to legitimise the unlawful behaviour of these pretenders, Cllr Morutse, Cllr Bogatso and Mr Bojosinyane, under the guise of an employee verification exercise.
There are no less than four High Court judgements confirming that the legitimate Ditsobotla Troika consists of Cllr Mazwi Moruri as Mayor, Cllr Jarious Modisakeng as Speaker, and Mr Rasupang Mooketsi as the Acting Municipal Manager. The High Court handed down its judgements on 15 March, 10 April, 30 April, and 09 May 2025.
The SAPS must investigate these charges swiftly to ensure arrest and successful prosecution.
In addition, the DA has also written to the National Minister of COGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisa, bringing these latest criminal developments to his attention and urging him to place the Ditsobotla Local Municipality under Section 139(7) national government administration, as we requested in January 2025. See letter here.
Ditsobotla residents continue to suffer unimaginable hardship as electricity blackouts and water shutdowns continue unabated while ANC factions fight over who is mayor and who is not. This must be put to an end immediately.
While the situation in Ditsobotla is dire, hope remains.
The DA in North West will continue to pursue every mechanism at our disposal to fight for the rights and services residents are entitled to. DA Ditsobotla Councillors remain resolute and will continue to serve residents, working with community members and business stakeholders to respond to service delivery needs.