‘Victim’ alleges EFF councillor offered him R40K to drop assault case

A Tshwane PR ward councillor and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member allegedly offered R40 000 to her victim after she allegedly hit him with a hammer last week when he confronted her for allegedly illegally selling stands belonging to the municipality.

Sello Khanyile claimed the EFF councillor, Nthabiseng Masemola, had been selling stands in the Winterveldt area for R6 000 each, but often sold the same stand to more than one person.

When he confronted Masemola about this, Khanyile said he was assaulted with a hammer and fists.

“This has been going on for the past year,” said Khanyile.

“Nthabiseng then started attacking me and punching me. I asked her why she is assaulting me and she took a hammer and hit me on the head. She told her people ‘let’s kill him’, and they all started hammering me on the head and the body.”

Assisted by ANC members in the area, he was taken to a local clinic where he was transferred to Odi Hospital by ambulance. He said he reported the matter at the Loate police station in Mabopane.

“The doctor told me this was more of an attempted murder than an assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH).”

Loate police spokesperson Captain Samuel Sebola confirmed a case of assault GBH was being investigated. Masemola and seven other suspects appeared in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court last week and were each granted R500 bail.

The matter was postponed to September 20. Khanyile alleged Masemola contacted him at the weekend and offered him money to withdraw the case.

“She called me on Saturday, offering me R40 000 to drop the case. I refused it, as this is the second time this has happened. I do not fear them and I will not run and hide, as I have children.”

But Masemola dismissed the allegations yesterday, telling The Citizen she does not even know Khanyile.

“Tell him to give you proof that I called him. He opened a case for something I know nothing about. He is lying about me.”

Mayoral spokesperson Sam Mgobozi said the City of Tshwane supported the court action.

“If indeed the allegations turn out to be true, the city will support any and all remedial action that ensures that this corruption of our services is eradicated.”