Plain-clothes police officer opens assault case after EFF Sona slap

Warrant Officer Johan Carstens has opened a case of assault against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) after an EFF MP, believed to be Marshall Dlamini, slapped him after an altercation following last Thursday’s State of the Nation address (Sona), an incident which was caught on video and went viral.

Police officer, Johan Carstens, opens assault case against @EFFSouthAfrica member @mzingisimarshal after an incident in parliament. EFF defends incident saying it happened after uncovering a plot by right-wing groups to assassinate its leader, @Julius_S_Malema. #sabcnews

— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) February 9, 2019

The EFF has claimed that the incident was an act of “necessary self-defence” as they had received information about a possible assassination attempt on their leader, Julius Malema.

Parliament said in a statement on Friday that its presiding officers condemned the incident.

Video of the incident has gone viral showing EFF MPs in a scuffle with security officials after the Sona, ending in an officer being slapped.

The statement from parliament said: “An initial report alleges that Warrant Officer Johan Carstens, responsible for cordoning off the exit area for the procession, faced sudden confrontation and was attacked by the EFF MP, resulting in facial injuries.

“Officer Carstens has opened an assault case with the police.”

The statement went on to describe the conduct of the MP as “shameful”, while at the same time confirming parliament was probing the matter.

“The presiding officers will await a full report on the matter in order to determine an appropriate course of action.”

(Compiled by Daniel Friedman)

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