Knysna Municipal Manager’s credibility undermined by underage sex scandal

The acting municipal manager, Phaahle Simon Malepeng, has recently accused Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa and Deputy Mayor Alberto Marbi of issuing a death threat in a tense meeting at George Airport on October 29. Malepeng claims he was told to resign “with immediate effect,” accompanied by a threat that his “life would be at risk.” This accusation, however, comes amid a web of controversies that cast doubt on his own standing and integrity.

While the death threat allegation has raised concerns, sources close to the council suggest it may have been part of an unofficial reprimand over Malepeng’s alleged involvement with intoxicated underage girls — an accusation now public through a sworn affidavit signed by a security officer, known here as H, who works for Allsound Security. According to H’s account, on August 24, a guest at a local establishment reported discovering a chaotic scene in his room: three intoxicated young women, and stolen belongings.

The affidavit further alleges that these three females claimed to have been drinking with Malepeng at a tavern in Knysna and, stranded without transport, were offered R500 by him for an Uber ride—an odd gesture in a town where no Uber service exists. According to their statements, Malepeng then allegedly offered them a place to stay, providing them access to a room. When confronted by security, however, Malepeng reportedly denied knowing the women, leading to police intervention and the detention of the three females. Malepeng was also taken to the police station for questioning.

Despite these troubling accusations, Malepeng has insisted that the real issue is political pressure, pointing to alleged death threats as a tactic of intimidation by senior officials. Observers, however, note that his allegations emerged only after the informal disciplinary measures relating to his conduct surfaced. An inside source claims that Malepeng has a criminal record, further calling into question the credibility of his account and the circumstances surrounding his appointment.

This comes in the context of the ongoing power struggle between the DA and the ANC – the DA were responsible for the court case which dislodged Malepeng’s predecessor, Ombali Sebola, whose appointment was deemed irregular. The DA faces controversial accusations from the local business community over allegedly fraudulent rates charges and lack of action over corruption, while the ANC is widely recognised to be neglecting vital services, and be engaged in significant corruption themselves.

Today, Knysna’s council will convene for a special session to discuss whether Malepeng’s appointment should be extended. Given the mounting controversies, the session is expected to be contentious. Should the council decide against extending his role, it would likely intensify scrutiny on Knysna’s municipal leadership—a body already under strain from recent reports of mismanagement and scandal.