ANC mayor thoroughly beats up emergency workers after his brother died in a crash. – They took too long to help my brother.

North West, South Africa – Sebang Motlhabi, the African National Congress (ANC) mayor of Lekwa-Teemane Local Municipality, is at the centre of a serious controversy following allegations that he assaulted emergency workers and interfered with lifesaving operations at the scene of a fatal car accident that claimed the life of his brother.

The shocking incident reportedly occurred on the night of 12 December along the road between Bloemhof and Wolmaransstad in the North West province. The crash involved two vehicles and left five people injured, including two drivers who were critically hurt. One of the drivers was later identified as Itumeleng Motlhabi, the mayor’s brother, who was declared dead at the scene.

According to the South African Emergency Personnel Union (SAEPU), emergency medical services arrived at the crash site shortly before 9pm and immediately began treating the injured under extremely challenging conditions. However, the situation allegedly escalated dramatically when Mayor Motlhabi arrived at the scene.

SAEPU president Mpho Mpogeng told City Press that union members were left “shocked and traumatized” by the mayor’s alleged conduct. The union claims that Motlhabi verbally abused emergency personnel, physically assaulted a male paramedic and a traffic officer, and attempted to intimidate responders by contacting senior government officials.

“Our members were carrying out their duties in a highly stressful and dangerous environment when the mayor allegedly became aggressive, assaulted a paramedic and a traffic officer, and interfered with emergency operations,” Mpogeng said.
“This behavior is unacceptable. Personal grief, no matter how deep, does not justify violence. Emergency workers must be protected, not attacked.”

A criminal case has since been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS). According to SAPS, a case was registered on 13 December at Bloemhof Police Station under case number CAS 58/12/2025. Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway, although no arrests have been made at this stage.

One of the survivors of the crash, Poloko Sere, who was travelling with her children at the time, has corroborated the allegations against the mayor. Sere said the incident left her and her family deeply traumatised, not only by the accident itself but also by what unfolded afterwards.

She alleged that the other vehicle involved in the collision was speeding and that alcohol was found inside it.

“They were coming from a party. There was alcohol in their vehicle,” Sere claimed.

Sere further alleged that when Mayor Motlhabi arrived, instead of allowing emergency personnel to continue their work, he became disruptive and violent.

“While we were still on the scene, he started attacking a traffic officer and medical staff. Emergency workers were trying to help us, but they were prevented from doing their jobs properly,” she said.

Expressing concern for her children, Sere said one of them suffered severe emotional distress.

“I was with my kids, and one of them experienced trauma. My oldest son has autism and ADHD. Someone who is supposed to be a leader made the situation worse,” she said.

She added that emergency personnel had suggested that her traumatized children receive medical attention, but the chaos at the scene made it difficult for them to operate effectively.

“If he had allowed them to do their work, maybe his brother could have survived,” Sere said.

Despite the ordeal, she expressed gratitude that her family survived the crash.

“I thank God my children are alive. But the trauma he caused will stay with us for a long time,” she said, adding that she hoped the incident would serve as a warning about the dangers of drunk driving, particularly during the festive season.

In response to the allegations, Mayor Motlhabi has strongly denied assaulting anyone. In a statement to City Press, he insisted that he did not attack emergency personnel at the scene.

“I have not assaulted anyone at the scene,” Motlhabi said.

He claimed that although emergency workers were present, critically injured patients were not being attended to, prompting him to contact senior health officials.

“That is why I contacted a senior health official to report the behaviour of these emergency personnel,” he said.
“I was informed by a friend that my brother had been involved in an accident. When I arrived, my brother was still alive.”

Motlhabi also dismissed calls by SAEPU for him to step down, accusing the union of pursuing political motives.

“The SAEPU is known for fighting political battles. That is why they called for my resignation before hearing my side of the story,” he said.

However, Mpogeng rejected this claim, stating that the union’s stance was about accountability, not politics.

“This is not about politics. It is about the safety, dignity, and protection of emergency workers. No one is above the law, regardless of their position,” he said.
“I understand grief; he is human. But grief does not give anyone the right to insult, intimidate, or assault people who are trying to save lives.”

The incident has triggered widespread public outrage across the North West province, with many calling for transparency, accountability, and swift action. As investigations continue, the public now awaits the outcome of the police inquiry, which will determine whether criminal charges will be pursued.