By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality has been given 60 days to submit a report to the Public Protector detailing its findings on whether former Executive Mayor Gilbert Mokotso lied under oath regarding the appointment of Soso Sepheka as Director of Community Services.
Sepheka was appointed to the position in July 2022 after the municipality advertised several Section 56 vacancies in February of the same year.
This was confirmed by Council Speaker MandleNkosi Dlamini during a special council meeting held on Thursday, 19 June 2025, at the municipal council chambers.
According to Dlamini, the investigation aims to determine whether Mokotso misled the council or provided false testimony under oath.
“The Public Protector has indicated that key documents are missing, including the interview score sheets and the assessment report, which is neither present nor signed,” Dlamini revealed.
He added that a special committee, chaired by Dikwankwetla Party of South Africa councillor Dieke Mokoena and comprised of selected councillors, will lead the investigation. The committee will compile and submit a report outlining findings and recommending remedial actions.
However, Council Chief Whip Moeketsi Lebesa emphasized that due process must be followed and that Mokotso must first be afforded an opportunity to respond to the allegations.