VIDEO | “The magistrate poked his nose into politics” – Khalipa as he appeals his conviction and sentence

Staff Reporter

Bloemfontein – The conviction and sentencing of Thanduxolo Khalipa, Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, are likely to be set aside.

Judgment has been reserved after the Free State High Court heard Khalipa’s appeal yesterday. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) opted not to oppose the appeal, conceding in its heads of argument that it had failed to prove Khalipa’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The State further argued that, should the court decline to overturn the convictions, the appeal against the sentences should nevertheless succeed, with lesser sentences imposed.

Khalipa’s legal team also argued that his rights had been violated, adding that the conviction had damaged his public image and placed his political career at risk.

Merabe also questioned the magistrate’s alleged reliance on advice from friends and colleagues in Cape Town and Mpumalanga while preparing the judgment, arguing that this raised concerns about the independence and integrity of the decision.

Khalipa’s legal representative maintained that a judicial officer should not introduce personal views or political preferences into a judgment, alleging that Magistrate Malander had done so in this case.

Khalipa, who also serves as the ANC’s provincial organiser, was convicted in November 2024 following a February 2024 incident involving two municipal employees, Frank Moreroa and Sphamandla Msomi, who were employed as his bodyguards.

Khalipa has indicated that he intends to sue the State and reporting the Magistrate to JSC.

WATCH

From High Court, Khalipa who also serves as Provincial Convenor went to Odendaalsrus to campaign for ANC.

WATCH

Judgment is reserved.

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