Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – The conduct of bodyguards of Maluti-A-Phofung Municipal Manager, Advocate Mzwakhe Mofokeng, has come under intense scrutiny following new shocking news.
This comes after a report published yesterday revealed that Lejwe Mofokeng, a convicted fraudster, was arrested for allegedly pointing a firearm at a colleague within Maluti-A-Phofung (MAP) premises.
According to a purported WhatsApp status allegedly from Advocate Mzwakhe Mofokeng, MM at MAP, he fetched Lejwe and it’s not clear who paid his bail…
STEPUPSANEWS can now confirm that Lefu April Mofokeng, Transport Manager, and Mpho David Hlalele, by-law officer at MAP Local Municipality are expected to appear in court this morning on charges of common assault.
The charges relate to the alleged forceful removal of Wilson Lefora, the Chief Executive Officer of MAP Water, on 17 September 2025, despite a court order interdicting his removal.
Speaking exclusively to this publication, an emotional Lefora confirmed that the accused have already made two prior court appearances.
“They have already appeared twice—first on 9 October, followed by 20 November 2025. They are expected to appear again tomorrow,” he said.
Lefora detailed the events leading up to the incident:
“On Monday, 15 September, a group of bodyguards stormed my office and said they were sent to remove me. I told them I do not work for the municipality and showed them court papers preventing my removal.
We then scheduled a meeting with their boss for 10:00 on Tuesday, 16 September. I waited, but was later told the Municipal Manager would only meet me at 15:00. He never showed up.
On Wednesday, 17 September, I arrived at work to find my office locked. I used another office, but the bodyguards came in again and instructed me to leave. I refused, and they became physical—dragging me out of the office.
At one point, they threw me onto the ground. I later sought medical attention and opened a criminal case.”
A medical report confirming his injuries has been seen by this publication.
Maluti-A-Phofung Executive Mayor, Malekula Melato, had not responded to questions at the time of publishing but referred our them to Thabo Kessah, spokesperson for MAP and he didn’t respond.
Below are questions sent:
We are working on two stories in relation to Lejwe Mofokeng who allegedly pointed a firearm at a colleague and separately, body guards who attacked and dragged MAP Water CEO out of office last year in September.
- As Executive Mayor what’s your comment on the case against Lejwe Mofokeng who is out on bail?
- Did you know he has a criminal record?
- Is the municipality conducting internal investigation?
LEFORA
- Do you know anything about the invasion of Lefora’s office?
- Did you send anyone to remove him from the office?
- Has the municipality done anything regarding their behaviour amid the criminal case that is continuing?
- Have you reached out to both victims?
In other news, Free State Provincial Government will reshuffle ahead of Departments on 1 April 2026.
- Steve Tshabalala to Public Works and Infrastructure,
- Dr Masego Tshabalala to Sport, Arts, Culture, And Recreation,
- Nelisiwe Ntombela to Community Safety, Roads and Transport,
- Advocate Humphrey Malakoane remains the only HOD to survive reshuffle since Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, Free State Premier took over.
This is a developing story.
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