THE executive mayor of Thembisile Hani municipality in Nkangala district of Mpumalanga has been accused by one of his comrades - live on an SABC radio station - of being a thief.

Peter Mokone, a ward councillor at the municipality, has openly and publicly accused mayor Victor Nkosi on Ikwekwezi FM of corruption.

He also accused Nkosi of orchestrating a protest march against him.

Mokone was defending himself after residents of Moloto embarked on a protest march accusing him of being useless.

"Nkosi is behind this protest and he is corrupt," said Mokone on live current affairs programme Izandlebe, broadcast between 1pm and 1.30pm.

The DA feels such allegations cannot be left unchallenged.

"They should be regarded very seriously because the communities are suffering because of power-hungry politicians who are fighting for positions and resources," DA MP James Masango said.

"Thembisile Hani has for a long time now been in the news because of poor service delivery and corruption. Until now nothing has been done. Now, based on these allegations, heads must roll."

Mokone claimed the mayor has stolen money meant to better the living conditions of the community in the municipality. He said he had evidence to back up his statement.

Attempts to get the mayor's comment drew a blank as his phone rang unanswered.