Limpopo ANC Councillor Faces Arrests Twice In A Month, Opposition Calls For By-Elections

Limpopo ANC councillor faces second arrest in just a month, sparking outrage among opposition parties who are now calling for by-elections in the area.

Tobias Malope, a councillor for the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, was first arrested on 9 January alongside seven others for alleged extortion. Authorities accused him of organising illegal protests at local mines and demanding money from mining bosses. He appeared in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on 13 January. However, before the case was resolved, police arrested him again on 26 January on similar charges.

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Malope, who hails from Roossenekal village in Ward 30, was elected on 11 December 2024 in a by-election following the dismissal of EFF councillor Maleke Mampane. Mampane was recalled for alleged incompetence, including failing to mobilise supporters for an EFF rally in Johannesburg last year. The repeated arrests have intensified criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the ANC has failed to act.

Bolsheviks Party Secretary-General Seun Mogotji questioned Malope’s suitability for office. “How can it be business as usual when the councillor spends most of his time in police holding cells instead of delivering services to the people of Roossenekal?” he asked.

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In response, ANC regional secretary Tala Mathope denied allegations that the party was ignoring accountability.

“We are conducting internal investigations to determine whether disciplinary action against the councillor is necessary,” Mathope said.

Meanwhile, residents of Roossenekal, a poverty-stricken village, had placed their hopes in Malope to address critical service delivery issues, including water shortages and deteriorating roads. His arrests have left many questioning whether he was the right choice for the job.

As pressure mounts, the ANC will need to decide whether to take action against Malope or risk further political fallout.

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