Gauteng Police confirmed that two members of opposing political parties, Jacques Julius of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and John Liebenberg of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) have opened assault cases against one another following an incident in Toekomsrus on Saturday, October 9.

“Police are investigating cases of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and intimidation. No arrests have been made yet,” Gauteng Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela told the Herald.

In their response to a video about the incident featuring the men involved in a physical confrontation, both political parties claimed that their member was provoked by the other at the local tuck shop.

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Detailed comments made on behalf of both parties appear below.

Bruce Nimmerhoudt, the regional chairperson of the PA said in a media statement, “The incident was brought to our attention whereby one of our Patriots, John Liebenberg, was involved in an argument with DA member of Parliament, Jacques Julius and a physical altercation ensued.” He alleged that Julius had assaulted Liebenberg.

DA Gauteng Provincial chairperson Fred Nel, issued a statement stating: “The DA condemns the vicious and criminal attack against Julius…by a member of the Patriotic Alliance.”

According to Nimmerhoudt’s statement, Liebenberg was on his way to a tuck shop in Toekomsrus.

He (Liebenberg) claimed that Julius pushed him,” said Nimmerhoudt, adding that Liebenberg “demanded to know why he was being provoked, as he is not familiar with Julius, or gave him any reason for his untoward actions.”

Nel indicated that Julius went to a shop where he was confronted by ‘the assailant’ who allegedly hurled insults at him. According to his statement, Julius was the one being provoked. Nel alleged that Liebenberg assaulted Julius.

Liebenberg then grabbed Julius’ car keys. While Nimmerhoudt indicated that, according to Liebenberg, Julius was intoxicated, Nel said that Julius was innocent and had to defend himself.

The video making rounds on social media only shows this part of the confrontation and none of the provocation and when Julius was getting assaulted,” alleged Nel.

Both parties indicated that tensions have recently been running high between the DA and PA.