By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, has cracked the whip against a Free State mayor captured on video intimidating and threatening a resident.
A video emerged this week showing Xolani Tseletsele, mayor of the Kopanong municipality in the Free State, threatening a resident at their private home, for airing his frustrations on social media with the state of their local infrastructure.
After the brief confrontation, the mayor, who was in the company of his driver, left.
Social media users reacted angrily to his actions which caught the attention of the national leadership.
It is reported that the mayor’s retaliation stems from a Facebook complaint made by a member of the community, identified as Kalebe Kalebe.
In August, Kelebe took his complaint to Facebook in which he lamented the poor state of the roads.
Mbalula sent an urgent message to the provincial secretary of the Free State, regarding the disciplinary action that must be taken following Tseletsele’s behaviour.
“The ANC expresses its utmost disgust and disapproval of the unprecedented conduct by Mayor Tseletsele and consequently that immediate action must be taken against this unbecoming behaviour,” said Mbalula.
Mbalula said the mayor’s behaviour was uncalled for and did not reflect what the ANC stood for.
Having read the rules Tseletsele had violated, Mbalula reiterated his immediate suspension, pending a disciplinary process for his unbecoming behaviour.
Tseletsele is also the provincial chairperson of the ANC You League (ANCYL).
Mbalula reminded party members of the vow he made after his election in December that the era of ANC members, leaders and public representatives doing as they pleased and displaying arrogance was over, and that swift action will be taken against anyone.
Tseletsele has since released a statement on his Facebook profile, in which he says he has apologised to the man he intimidated and threatened.
“I have apologised to Kalebe and his family. Any comment or politically motivated views to treat me like I have killed or raped or stolen money in any way – let’s contest each other on ideas of the revolution,” he wrote.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of MYANC.