Criminal charges against 3 municipal managers

George Michalakis, a DA member of parliament, has laid criminal charges against municipal managers in Free State municipalities.

He announced on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, that he has taken action against municipal mismanagement in the Free State.

“The Free State has been looted to its bones by the African National Congress (ANC), Michalakis said.

He added that the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA) serves as a strong accountability tool.

“I have today, under Section 173(1), laid criminal charges against three municipal managers in the Free States,” he said.

• Mojalefa Matlole of Masilonyana Local Municipality. Masilonyana Municipality has been unable to produce credible statements of public expenditure for a decade; has repeatedly polluted drinking water; has improperly used government grants meant for indigent households; and has hired employees not fit for purpose.

• Mokete Solomon Nhlapo of Nketoana Local Municipality. Nketoana Municipality has unrestricted access to its financial systems, inviting opportunities for looting. The pollution of the Vals River has become so severe that the Municipality will likely face departmental action. Officials meant to serve residents are also not vetted for previous transgressions or proper qualifications.

• Futhuli Patrick Mothamaha and Adv. Motsoahae Matthews Mofokeng of Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality. Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality has submitted its financial statements years late for the past decade, yet despite this, it still receives disclaimed audit outcomes due to the poor quality of statements submitted. Mothamaha has been arrested twice already for MFMA violations relating to irregular security and electricity transformer tender contracts. Despite this, he still serves as the manager of a neighbouring municipality.

“Enough is enough for Free State residents, who deserve far better than abject failure in accounting for how public money is spent,” Michalakis said.