KNYSNA NEWS - Allegations of impropriety against Knysna's acting municipal manager Phaahle Simon Malepeng, relating to an alleged incident "with underaged intoxicated girls", have surfaced online.

This follows Malepeng laying charges of intimidation involving an alleged death threat, allegedly made by the mayor and deputy mayor at a meeting at George Airport on 29 October, and allegedly over issues around the proposed Grey Elephant Investments (GEI) debt write-off by the municipality.

Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa and deputy mayor Alberto Marbi have laid counter charges of crimen injuria against Malepeng.

'Faceless and defamatory'

Malepeng said the most recent claims made against him, which appeared in an article on online platform The Cape Independent, about his alleged involvement "with underaged intoxicated girls", and that he had a criminal record, were "faceless and defamatory".

He alleged the claims were "coming from the mayor, deputy mayor and Grey Elephant Investments".

Malepeng said the allegations against him were made "mainly because of the matters l am currently dealing with relating to Grey Elephant Investments in my official capacity and the police case l opened against them (mayor and deputy mayor)".

Clearance certificate

Malepeng laid the charges at the George SAPS, and has supplied the Knysna-Plett Herald with a SAPS clearance certificate indicating that there were no criminal convictions against him.

The online publication based the allegations on a sworn affidavit signed by a local security officer, known as "H".

The article said: "According to H's account, on August 24, a guest at a local establishment (The Gallery) reported discovering a chaotic scene in his room: three intoxicated young women, and stolen belongings."

"This is one clear example of defamation and misinformation. Hence the article is devoid of truth (and is) malicious, false propaganda, and extremely defamatory, solely aimed at distracting me as the acting municipal manager from doing/carrying out my official responsibilities and duties," said Malepeng.

'Consulting my lawyers'

"Consequently I am consulting my lawyers with a view of instituting defamatory lawsuits."

In a statement GEI said it is "aware of the allegations concerning Mr Malapeng, because GEI Director Neil Lurie is a Trustee of The Gallery Body Corporate".

"Grey Elephant Investments Pty Ltd (GEI) is dismayed by ongoing scandalous accusations between Knysna politicians and officials, and apparent reciprocal criminal charges, as recently reported in various media," it said.

In response to an enquiry from the Knysna-Plett Herald, it said: "All of this has absolutely nothing to do with GEI.

'Zero foundation'

"The smearing of GEI in furtherance of political power struggles has zero foundation and GEI refutes any suggestions linking it to these claims in the strongest possible terms.

"In the rates dispute GEI was unlawfully and incorrectly overcharged for municipal services for years.

"During 2022 and 2023 GEI followed Knysna municipality's prescribed policies culminating in an agreed settlement, recommended to be accepted by a specialist seconded from National Treasury and unanimously approved by the Knysna Municipality Council.

"The rates dispute has been long since finally settled in April 2024, including GEI's full payment of the agreed amounts.

"Mr Malapeng was not employed at the Knysna Municipality throughout any relevant periods in question.

"GEI has nothing to do with the alleged incidents concerning Mr Malapeng that took place at The Gallery.

'High Court review'

"However, GEI is aware of the allegations concerning Mr Malapeng, because GEI Director Neil Lurie is a Trustee of The Gallery Body Corporate.

"The settlement of the rates dispute is now, since October 2024, the subject matter of a High Court review application brought by four individuals and GEI is looking forward to resounding vindication in court.

"GEI is absolutely independent of any political affiliations, and we value the ongoing support and trust placed in us by the members of our community."

Mayor Tsengwa said he had "no comment". Deputy mayor Marbi said he was forwarded the online article on Malepeng and "was not aware of the detail".

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