STELLALANDER-VRYBURG: The North West Provincial Legislature’s Ad Hoc Committee has continued its public hearings into allegations made by Naledi Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Clifton Groep, against Premier Lazarus Mokgosi regarding the appointment of the Municipal Manager.
The second round of hearings took place at the Sun City Convention Centre from 26 to 31 January 2026, following an extension of the Committee’s mandate until 31 March 2026 to allow for a comprehensive investigation. The Committee was established in November 2025 and conducted its first round of hearings from 24 to 27 November 2025. Mayor Groep has alleged that Premier Mokgosi, who served as the African National Congress (ANC) Chief Whip in the provincial legislature in 2023, attempted to influence former Director of Corporate Services, Thabo Appolus, to amend a report related to the appointment of Modisenyane Thompson Segapo as Municipal Manager. The appointment was previously declared invalid and unlawful by the North West High Court due to procedural irregularities. Appolus has denied the allegations, stating during his testimony that there was no evidence of document tampering or fraud. He maintained that claims of manipulation were unfounded. Segapo also appeared before the Committee, submitting a 15-point statement in support of his position. Prior to his testimony, he indicated on social media that he intended to address the allegations fully during the hearings. The Committee heard evidence from several witnesses, including Aobakwe Mathonsi, Doreen Mariri, and Dithole Hendrick Moate. Premier Mokgosi also appeared before the Committee, with evidence led by Advocate Pule Seleka SC. Premier Mokgosi is scheduled to continue engaging with the Committee on 13 and 14 February 2026 as part of the ongoing proceedings. The Ad Hoc Committee is chaired by Advocate Nathan Oliphant SC, who emphasised that the inquiry is being conducted in accordance with the principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice. He reiterated that the Committee remains committed to carrying out its mandate independently and without prejudice. The hearings are open to the public and media and have been livestreamed on the North West Provincial Legislature’s official Facebook page. The Committee’s investigation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability in municipal appointments and address allegations of misconduct within provincial governance structures. Further steps in the process will be announced in line with the Committee’s mandate and the Standing Rules of the North West Provincial Legislature.
