EFF councillor fears for his life after violent assault at KZN council meeting

A councillor from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Impendle, KwaZulu-Natal, says he fears for his life after being assaulted and threatened during a chaotic council meeting to elect a new mayor.

Sifiso Zuma told Independent Media he is still in shock after being slapped and insulted at last Friday’s meeting, which descended into chaos when a group of people wearing ANC T-shirts stormed the venue.

“It’s been four months since Impendle Municipality has been without a mayor after the removal of Buyisani Mlaba through a vote of no confidence,” said Zuma.

“When the Speaker, Sizwe Ndlela, announced that he was suspending the meeting, I suggested we call the police to remove the crowd that was disrupting proceedings. That’s when one of them slapped me.”

Zuma said the group accused him of leading the motion that removed the former mayor and threatened his life.

“They said they knew I was behind the motion of no confidence. Some shouted that I wouldn’t make it home alive, and others said I would die,” he said.

He questioned how the disruptive crowd managed to gain access to the council chambers.

“You’re supposed to sign in at security to enter. We don’t feel safe if people can just bypass security and disrupt council business. Before any future meeting, we need answers about safety,” Zuma said.

He has since opened an assault case at the Impendle police station and was advised to obtain a doctor’s letter to finalise the case.

Provincial police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that a case will be officially opened once the medical report is submitted.

IFP councillor Sadewu Ngubane described the incident as a violent rampage.

“They kicked doors and poured drinks on us,” he said.

“We were against the suspension of the meeting because this municipality has been without a mayor for months. We didn’t expect ANC supporters to disrupt such an important session. This shows the ANC doesn’t care about the people of Impendle. We call on the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to intervene.”

Ngubane also called for improved security at council meetings.

Municipal manager Zakhele Tshabalala said those responsible for the disruption would face consequences.

“The matter was immediately reported to the police, who removed the invaders,” Tshabalala said.

ANC Moses Mabhida regional spokesperson Ntuthuko “Koloba” Ntshangase could not be reached for comment. He initially answered a call but did not respond to follow-up messages or return subsequent calls.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE