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ActionSA welcomes the move to temporarily suspend Kopanong Mayor, Xolani Tseletsele, for allegedly insulting a civilian for complaining on social media about potholes in Jagersfontein.

A video of the incident went viral. In the footage, Mayor Tseletsele is seen threatening this resident outside his house in full view of his children.

His suspension should not be substituted for criminal charges that should be laid.

This behaviour is unacceptable from a government official tasked with serving the community. He is not fit to hold public office. Instead of fixing the roads, he chose the easy way out by silencing a member of the community.

Kopanong residents deserve to be led by ethical and committed public servants who conduct themselves in manner that is beyond reproach.

ActionSA will visit Mr Kalebe in due course. This will be followed by opening a criminal case against the Mayor at the Jagersfontein Police Station.

Issued by ActionSA Free State Provincial Chairperson, Patricia Kopane