Battle for Tlokwe rages on

The ANC is headed to court again this morning, a day after it refused to vacate the Tlokwe town council offices in defiance of a high court order.

Today's court challenge is being seen as an attempt by the ANC to frustrate the DA's attempts to begin council business, which has been neglected because of the protracted battle between the two parties.

Though basic services are being provided, critical functions meant to be overseen by members of the mayoral committee are at a standstill.

DA MP Juanita Terblanche bemoaned the fact that council business had ground to a halt, but ANC North West spokesman Kenny Morolong said ousted mayor Maphetle Maphetle and his team were "hard at work".

ANC leaders in North West on Monday said they respected the judiciary and the courts' dispensing of justice without "fear or favour".

Yesterday, however, the party changed its tune. The ANC is now appealing the Pretoria High Court's confirmation of the appointment of Annette Combrink as Tlokwe's mayor.

".Once there is an application for leave to appeal, it must be heard," said Morolong when asked why Maphetle had refused to vacate the council offices.

Morolong said Maphetle and council speaker Barei Segotso would appeal on the grounds that the July 2 council meeting that resulted in Maphetle's ousting was "at odds" with council rules.

DA North West leader Chris Hattingh said the party had not been notified of the ANC's intent to appeal, adding that court papers had not been served on the opposition party.

"It is clear that they are under pressure and are revealing their Mugabe genes."

The ANC's application for leave to appeal would be met by a request from the DA to have the court issue a declaratory order.

Hattingh said: "The judge will decide who should vacate [the council offices]."