The ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) staged a picket outside the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court today (August 8), where Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality Mayor Mduduzi Myeza appeared on charges of assaulting a woman earlier this year.

The alleged victim is a member of the IFP; the same political party as the mayor.

The ANCWL said the demonstration formed part of their Women’s Month programme and was aimed at standing in solidarity with the alleged victim, condemning gender-based violence and urging the court to ensure that justice is served. The protesters carried placards with messages such as ‘ANC fights for justice’, ‘Let’s break the silence’ and ‘Our community deserves protection from the justice system’.

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Tensions reportedly flared when supporters of the ANC and IFP clashed outside the court. A protester claimed that an ANC sound-vehicle was damaged during the altercation and that a woman was assaulted, resulting in her glasses being broken.

It is believed that both parties have since opened cases at Estcourt police station.

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