POLOKWANE – Two residents from Flora Park who were involved in an altercation during the election of the ward committee two weeks ago have issued a joint apology for what they referred to as their “unbecoming behaviour”.

In the statement addressed to the community, the ward councillor, Polokwane Municipality and Flora Park Primary School where the election was held, Thapelo Ramothwala and Kennedy Matshili, say they have over the past few days reflected on what happened and decided it should not happen again.

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The two residents opened assault cases against each other after they were removed from the Flora Park election venue.

“Our emotions got the better of us and we apologise unreservedly. We have made this statement under (sic) our own will and pledge to work together with the ward councillor and other stakeholders.”

Ward councillor Murwa Phaka confirmed the authenticity of the matter, but declined to provide further comment.

The voting in of new councillors after the November 1 local government election sees each ward electing a ward committee in line with the Municipal Structures Act. This committee serves as a link between the community, the ward councillor and the municipality.

Polokwane Observer reported last week, that a physical altercation occurred between members after it was discovered that some residents could not gain access to the meeting as the gate had been locked.

One of the residents at the time told Polokwane Observer that because the meeting started late there were people who left the venue and when they heard the meeting had started they returned, only to be excluded.