MBOMBELA – After months of infighting over ward representatives in the ANC, disagreement over candidates resulted in bloodshed in KaNyamazane on Sunday.
The beginning of 2016 has seen supporters of the ruling party in the province embark on a number of violent protest actions in objection to the certain candidates.
This weekend it degenerated into an attack by teeth and pick handles on Mr Bheki Zulu, a member of the mayoral committee.
Despite rumours to the contrary, the victim’s ears were not cut off.
Zulu told Lowvelder on Wednesday that he had suffered a “human bite,” but still had his whole ear.
“We had a community meeting to discuss the ward representative,” he said. “The people who lost began to attack us. They were dissatisfied.”
Both Zulu and his brother, Mr Piphelelani Zulu were bitten on the ear and hit with a pick handle; Zulu on the shoulder, breaking his collar bone, and his brother on the forehead. Both were taken to hospital.
Zulu was discharged from hospital Monday. He said he was not sure how badly the attacker had torn his brother’s ear.
Police arrested Piphelelani (47) along with Aubrey Mashego (42). They appeared in court on charges of assault in KaNyamazane on Wednesday. Both were released on bail.
Bheki Zulu planned to make a statement to the police on Wednesday or Thursday.
The party’s chosen candidate for the ward is Ms Agnes Mokoena, who used to be a councillor in 2005.
“She is the person who the community supported overwhelmingly. Now she will be a councillor again.”
Mpumalanga police spokesman, Brig Selvy Mohlala, said a total of four cases of assault had been opened.
The ANC’s secretary for the Ehlanzeni region, Mr Phazamisa Mathe said the party had also launched an internal investigation into the incident.
Police confirm arrests in alleged assault at ANC meeting, March 23, 12:05
MBOMBELA – Two suspects are due to appear in court today following a fight that broke out among ANC supporters in KaNyamazane on Sunday.
According to police spokesman Brig Selvy Mohlala both accused are being charged with assault.
Member of the mayoral committee in Mbombela, Mr Bheki Zulu was also injured in the fracas.
Lowvelder has since spoken to Zulu. Read the full story in Lowvelder tomorrow.
ANC investigating alleged assault on Mbombela councillor, March 22, 17:00
MBOMBELA – The ANC has confirmed that it has launched an investigation into the alleged assault on a Mbombela councillor over the weekend.
Member of the mayoral committee Mr Bheki Zulu was hospitalised after a political meeting apparently went south on Sunday.
The ANC’s secretary for the Ehlanzeni region Mr Phazamisa Mathe would say only that the party was investigating the matter internally.
He would not confirm the extent of Zulu’s injuries.
The councillor for ward 10, where the incident was initially believed to have take place, Mr Mahlathini Mdluli said he had not convened the meeting, and was not present at the time of the alleged incident.
Ms Robyn Baard, spokesman for Mediclinic Nelspruit said Zulu was discharged on Monday.
According to police spokesman for Mpumalanga, Sgt Gerald Sedibe, no complaint has been made to the police regarding the incident.
- Read more about Mr Bheki Zulu.
