The South African Human Rights Commission SAHRC says it may open a criminal case against the mayor of Matlosana, Fikile Mahlophe, if he fails to appear before it on Monday morning over the suspension of free paraffin provision to indigent households.
Qualifying indigent households in several areas, including Jacaranda, Khuma, Tigane, Sunnyside, Kanana and Jouberton, allegedly stopped getting the free paraffin after Mahlophe came into power.
SAHRC North West spokesperson Emmanuel Nkonde told Sowetan that the commission received complaints from affected communities in September 2025. Attempts to engage the mayor before the hearing were unsuccessful, leading to a subpoena being issued.
