POLOKWANE – The credibility of ANC protocols during branch meetings to nominate executive committee candidates is under public scrutiny after the apparent assault of Tshepo Shogole, a former leader, for questioning the legitimacy of official procedures at a Ward 39 branch meeting held on Sunday at the Capricorn District Municipality building.

Shogole, who had previously served as the Limpopo chairperson and secretary of the South African Students Congress (Sasco), was reportedly attacked after asking why his identity card was not scanned as part of the meeting’s attendance process – something he deemed essential for confirming the legitimacy of the gathering.

Other members, similarly concerned about their own unscanned identity cards, joined in asking the same question.

In his account shared on social media, Shogole (27) described being surrounded by “a mob of individuals” who assaulted him with fists and flying kicks while officials present stood by in silence.

“No voice cried out for justice. My crime? Demanding accountability,” he wrote, sharing video footage of the attack, where a group of people can be seen assaulting an unseen individual.

A case of assault has been opened at the Polokwane Police Station, with ANC Peter Mokaba region spokesperson, Adolph Rapetswa condemning all forms of violence, including taking footage of closed party meetings.

Rapetswa further clarified that they had yet to receive full reports from the branch meetings, and the matter remained sub judice due to the ongoing police investigation.

“A report should come from Joyce Nkobela, who was deployed as a representative to ensure the executive is aware of any issues in that meeting,” Rapetswa added.

Shogole, however, expressed doubt about filing a formal complaint, stating that the branch representative ignored his assault and failed to call for police or security intervention, allowing the meeting to continue.

The incident comes as the ANC prepares for the highly contested Peter Mokaba region conference, where tensions rise over candidates for the position of chairperson.

Shogole said that, although he avoided factionalism, his preference for Mamedupi Teffo over the current chairperson might have contributed to the attack, as he knew the aggressors to be loyal supporters of the current leadership.

In another incident, Blouberg Mayor Maria Thamaga was captured on video expressing frustration about discussions concerning her position in the municipality during a branch nomination meeting.

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