EFF condemns its members for violently disrupting SABC debate

The Economic Freedom Fighters condemned its members for the violent disruption of the SABC debate in Hout Bay on Friday morning. The party called on its members to restrain themselves at all times.

It said: “It has become common practice that many parties and prominent individuals, as well as agents of Stratcom, want to provoke the EFF and its members. This is because of the obvious progress we are making as a party and the inevitable victory on May 8. Whatever happens, we must never fall into this trap, as it seeks precisely to derail us from our well-deserved victory.

“This is our election, it is our era and no amount of provocation must make us fall into the trap, particularly with insignificant political entities. We must rise above, because victory is ours and it is certain.”

An SABC elections debate in Hout Bay erupted in chaos as members of the EFF and members of the newly formed Land Party attacked each other with chairs. According to News24, members of Black First Land First (BLF) and Good were also involved.

TV footage shows absolute chaos as the parties are seen hurling chairs around the room.

SABC presenter Leanne Manas took to Twitter to confirm what had happened.

“The team are fine but the debate has been called off,” she said.

This was reportedly the second part of the debate, with proceedings during the first part having been relatively peaceful.

What started the battle is not yet known.

(Background reporting by Daniel Friedman)

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