Premier decries 'political plot' in alleged misconduct probe

UNDER-FIRE North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has blamed a 'political plot' against him for intensified scrutiny over allegations he manipulated audit reports to target political opponents.

Mokgosi appeared before the ad hoc committee on Saturday, where he questioned affidavits presented by previous witnesses, including a municipal employee, Thabo Sejake, former employee Thabo Appolus, and former municipal manager Modisenyane Segapo. Their testimonies painted a picture of alleged misconduct against him.

The inquiry, triggered by claims from Naledi Local Municipality mayor Clifton J Groep, has moved into a decisive period following the premier’s appearance as the final witness in the latest round of public hearings.

Groep previously told Parliament’s joint portfolio committees that Mokgosi and other legislature members manipulated audit reports to target political opponents. 

He further alleged that Mokgosi instructed Appolus to alter a report concerning Segapo’s appointment as municipal manager. The incident allegedly occurred in 2023 when Mokgosi was ANC chief whip in the legislature, claims that ultimately led to the establishment of an ad hoc committee in November 2025.

However Mokgosi used his appearance at the weekend to refute the allegations, questioning the evidence presented, including text messages.

“Now listening to the discussion of people who made affidavits, I now realise that having not responded to that message was a correct instinct because it proved that Appolus, Segapo and Sejake had been communicating amongst themselves, they have been plotting the Mokgosi must fall campaign. Even the messages that are there are concocted.”

There was also a heated exchange between Mokgosi and the evidence leader, Senior Advocate Pule Seleka, with the premier accusing him of interrogating witnesses who did not implicate him.

“If his explanation suits what I explained and the other witnesses, then I’m not sure if that to you is corroboration,” he said.

Sejake responded that they only wanted to hear Mokgosi’s version of events.

“It has nothing to do with me. The ad hoc committee wants to hear your version of events,” Sejake said.

Mokgosi also accused the committee of failing to properly explain and produce evidence of the tampering he is accused of.

“I’m at the centre of allegations. I must respond to the allegations and my expectation was to be told how I tampered, when I tampered or attempted to tamper and also, on what I tampered with,” he said.

On November 14, the Supreme Court of Appeal delivered a judgment finding that Segapo’s appointment was constitutionally invalid.

In its ruling, the court said the recruitment process was marred by procedural failures. Of eight initial applicants, only Segapo and Appolus were shortlisted. After Appolus withdrew, Segapo remained the sole candidate, yet the council proceeded despite glaring irregularities.

The ruling raised questions around Groep’s allegations that Mokgosi improperly interfered to block Segapo’s appointment. However, it also complicated the claims by finding that Segapo was not legally qualified to hold the position.

Despite the judgment, the ad hoc committee proceedings continued, hearing testimony from a wide range of witnesses, including Groep, current and former municipal officials, political office bearers, regional figures and provincial government representatives.

Mokgosi’s appearance effectively closes the evidentiary phase of the latest hearings and signalling a transition toward deliberations.

The committee is now expected to analyse the evidence and determine its findings, which will ultimately be submitted to the Speaker.

Cape Times