A public meeting called by Ward 97 councillor Jacques Hoon about the ever-escalating electricity problems faced by residents in the Roodepoort ward descended into chaos when two ward committee members attempted to physically remove Willowbrook, Ruimsig, Amarosa and Poortview Residents Association (RA) chairperson Martin van der Westhuizen.

The meeting was held at the hall at IIE MSA in Ruimsig.

Hoon had cut off a resident mid-question, accusing her of making political statements when Van der Westhuizen intervened, demanding that the resident be given the chance to complete her question.

Two of Hoon’s committee members – Donne Hutchinson and Julia Griffiths – moved from the front of the hall to where Van der Westhuizen was sitting among other RA representatives, and a spat ensued.

Hutchinson grabbed Van der Westhuizen’s arm but was unable to move him. At one point, she had him around the neck, but he managed to pull free.

Van der Westhuizen then became involved in a heated exchange with the other committee member, Griffiths. He eventually splashed some water from a water bottle in his hand at her, urging her to sit down, at which point she allegedly pulled a firearm, and briefly pointed it at him before putting it into her belt.

Hoon and his entourage, as well as City Power officials, left the scene before police arrived. Griffiths and Hutchinson could not be reached for comment.

Van der Westhuizen, supported by other RA representatives went to the Honeydew Police Station to open a case against the ward committee members.

The Roodepoort Northsider approached councillor Hoon for comment, and he responded: “I was not involved in the altercation and can therefore not comment.”

The publication will publish updates once received.