Sebang Motlhabi, the mayor of Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, is facing serious allegations of assault and interference with emergency services at the scene of a fatal car crash that claimed the life of his brother. The incident, which occurred on the night of 12 December on the road between Bloemhof and Wolmaransstad in North West, has sparked outrage and prompted a police investigation.
According to the SA Emergency Personnel Union (SAEPU), emergency medical services responded to a collision involving two vehicles shortly before 9pm. Five people were injured, including two critically injured drivers. One of the critically injured patients was later identified as Itumeleng Motlhabi, the mayor’s brother, who was declared dead at the scene.
SAEPU president Mpho Mpogeng told City Press that union members were "shocked" by what allegedly unfolded after Mayor Motlhabi arrived at the accident scene. The SAEPU alleges that the mayor verbally abused personnel, physically assaulted a male paramedic and a traffic officer, and attempted to intimidate responders by contacting senior officials.
“Our members were carrying out their duties under extremely difficult conditions when the mayor allegedly became aggressive, assaulted a paramedic and a traffic officer, and interfered with emergency operations,” Mpogeng said. He added, "This behaviour is unacceptable, regardless of personal grief. Emergency workers must be protected, not attacked."
A criminal case has since been opened. According to a message from the SA Police Service (SAPS), a case was registered on 13 December at Bloemhof Police Station under reference number CAS 58/12/2025. The SAPS has confirmed that a case has been opened, although no arrest has yet been made.
Poloko Sere, a survivor of the crash who was travelling with her children, corroborated the allegations against the mayor. Sere said she was left traumatised by both the accident and what she witnessed afterwards. She alleged that the other vehicle involved in the collision was speeding and that "they were coming from a party because there was alcohol in their vehicle."
Sere claimed that when the mayor arrived, "instead of allowing emergency workers to do their jobs, he allegedly became violent and disruptive." She added, "While we were still on the scene, he began attacking a traffic cop and medical staff."
Sere expressed concern for her children, stating, “I was with my kids, and one of them experienced trauma. Both autism and ADHD affect my oldest son. Someone who is meant to be a leader made the issue worse.” She further alleged that emergency personnel had suggested that the traumatised children also receive medical attention, but were prevented from working effectively.
“If he had let them do their work, maybe his brother could have survived,” Sere said. Despite the ordeal, Sere said she was grateful her family survived the crash. “I thank God my children are alive. But the trauma he caused will stay with us,” she said, adding that she hoped the incident served as a warning against drunk driving, especially during year-end celebrations.
In response to the allegations, Motlhabi has vehemently denied assaulting anyone at the scene. “I have not assaulted anyone at the scene,” the mayor said in a response to City Press’ enquiries.
Motlhabi claimed that while emergency personnel were present, critically injured patients were not being attended to. “That is why I contacted a senior health official to report the behaviour of these emergency personnel,” he said. "I was called by a friend who informed me that my brother had been involved in a car accident. When I arrived, my brother was still alive."
He also dismissed the SAEPU’s call for him to step down, accusing the union of political motives. “The SAEPU is used to fighting political battles. That is why they resorted to calling for my resignation before hearing the other side of the story," Motlhabi stated.
Mpogeng rejected this assertion, saying the union’s concern was solely for the safety and dignity of emergency workers. “This is not politics. It is about accountability and the rule of law. No one is above the law, regardless of their position,” he said. "I understand grief; he is human, but that does not give him the right to insult and assault people who are there to help."
The incident has sparked public outrage in North West, with calls for transparency and accountability as investigations continue. The public awaits the outcome of the police investigation.
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