MLM Mayor accused of attempt physical assault

GA-MARISHANE – A heated dispute between Mmetla Shapo La Tlala Taxi Association members and Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) Mayor, Cllr Merah Mahlase, has escalated, with allegations that the Mayor attempted to physically assault a local taxi owner.

A video circulating on social media platforms depict Mayor Mahlase confronting and attempting to physically assault a member of the Mmetla Shapo La Tlala Taxi Association. However, the situation is intervened by a group of people who step in to block and prevent the Mayor from attacking

The incident occurred during a meeting held at Ga-Marishane Village outside Jane Furse, where the taxi association protested the municipality’s refusal to issue operating permits.

Mmetla Shapo La Tlala, a fledgling association comprising six plus one taxis, is fighting for recognition to operate in the Ga-Marishane area. The association claims to have followed all necessary processes to obtain operating permits, including recommendations from Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety.

However, Mmetla Shapo La Tlala taxis could not get permits as the association is in a dispute with bigger dominant taxi associations in Jane Furse, which are allegedly trying to strong-arm their way into dominating the Ga-Marishane area, leaving smaller operators like Mmetla Shapo La Tlala struggling to survive.

According to Mmetla Shapo La Tlala Taxi Association Secretary, Phehlane Modisha, during the meeting, the Mayor stated that Mmetla Shapo La Tlala’s taxis are too old and that they should allow a larger more established taxi association from Jane Furse to operate in the Ga-Marishane area.

“When one of our taxi owners objected, the Mayor attempted to assault him. The incident raises concerns about the Mayor’s behaviour and raises questions on how she handles disputes with community members,” said Modisha.

Modisha said they are worried that the municipality has refused to issue operating permits to the association, despite them operating in the Ga-Marishane area for over 30 years.

“The municipality has delayed the process due to pressure from bigger dominant taxi associations, which have written a letter to Mayor Mahlase urging her not to issue permits to us,” said Modisha.

Modisha alleges that the Mayor is siding with one of the bigger taxi associations that has recently written a letter to her office to stop her from issuing the operating permits, despite Mmetla Shapo La Tlala’s legitimate claim to operate in the area.

“We need seventy operating permits. The Mayor doesn’t promise anything, and instead, tried to beat up one of our taxi owners during a meeting,” he said.

The incident is not an isolated one, as Makhuduthamaga Municipality has a history of senior officials being accused of physical assault. Recently, MLM Speaker Judy Mphelane-Nkgadima allegedly assaulted Kgoshi Malekutu Mampuru during a community meeting.

“This behaviour is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the municipality’s leadership. We urge the Mayor and senior officials to resolve disputes peacefully and prioritize the needs of the community,” Modisha said.

The Makhuduthamaga Municipality has been contacted for comment, but no response had been received at the time of going to press.