Matlosana MMC Faces Multiple Criminal Charges Following Klerksdorp Arrest

Karen Scheepers
1 day ago
2 min read

The City of Matlosana Local Municipality’s MMC for Local Economic Development, Wesley Kgang, was arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning following a violent confrontation with law enforcement.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) case docket, the incident occurred on Leask Street when traffic officials intercepted Kgang’s vehicle. The encounter escalated into a physical altercation, leading to Kgang's detention at the Stilfontein Police Station after a medical assessment at a local health center.

Formal Charges and Legal Proceedings

Kgang faces a comprehensive list of charges that have been formally entered into the criminal justice system:

Driving under the influence of alcohol
Assault on three traffic officers
Crimen injuria
Malicious damage to property
Resisting arrest

The damage to property charge relates to the breakage of a window in a state-owned vehicle during the suspect's transit to the police station. One traffic official sustained a hand injury during the struggle to restrain the MMC.

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Policy Implications: The ANC Step-Aside Rule

The arrest has triggered immediate scrutiny regarding the African National Congress (ANC) internal disciplinary frameworks. Under the party’s step-aside policy, implemented in 2021, members who are formally charged with serious crimes are required to vacate their government and party positions temporarily.

While the policy is frequently applied to financial crimes and corruption, it also encompasses conduct that brings the organization into disrepute. The violent nature of the charges against a sitting MMC necessitates a decision from the ANC’s Provincial Executive Committee on whether to enforce a mandatory suspension.

Administrative Context

The legal proceedings against Kgang add further pressure to a municipality already under investigation for governance issues. Kgang, who transitioned from the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) to a PR councillor position in April 2024, has previously been the subject of administrative inquiries regarding the procurement of private security services.

The City of Matlosana remains under a microscope as several high-ranking officials, including the Chief Financial Officer, have been linked to separate ongoing investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Hawks.

Case Timeline

Arrest Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Detention Facility: Stilfontein Police Station
First Court Appearance: Scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court.