DA MP Fred Nel has demanded an explanation after two DA members were allegedly attacked on Wednesday.
The attack was apparently carried out by ANC activists, including councillor Joel Masilela, in Mamelodi.
“The DA denounces in the strongest terms the action of Tshwane ANC councillor Joel Masilela who once again proved his reputation as a woman basher,” said Fred.
He said councillor Masilela led a group of ANC activists who disrupted a visit by MMC Sheila Senkubuge and Councillor Karen Meyer to Mamelodi.
“Both councillors were physically attacked and sustained injuries. In an SMS to MMC Nkomo, Masilela threatened further violence against DA councillors.”
“Councillor Masilela has a reputation of causing harm and injury to female councillors in the Tshwane council.”
On Friday, Meyer said she and Senkubuge were invited to Mamelodi by residents of Ward 15.
ALSO READ: Department deals with school pregnancy crisis
“The community wanted us to address the issues of service delivery, so the MMC and I decided to invite Masilela (Ward 15 councillor), but he declined,” said Meyer.
She said during the visit, a group of what is believed to be ANC members stopped Senkubuge’s car and forced her off the road during their visit.
“As she was getting out of the car, a mob started harassing her and forced her into a corner,” said Meyer.
“At that time, I managed to record the altercation on my phone because I was driving behind her.”
Meyer said six men from the group noticed that she was recording them and also started assaulting her.
“They grabbed my phone and started assaulting me.”
“Luckily, the two people I was driving with came to the rescue.”
Meyer criticised Masilela’s behaviour.
ALSO READ: Phahlane condemns attacks on police officials
“There is no need for intimidation and threats, we are working for the people and it should not matter whether the DA or ANC is involved.”
DA ward councillor Elma Nel said Masilela physically assaulted her during a council meeting last year.
“Today I call on the MEC for community safety to investigate why criminal charges laid against councillor Masilela has not yet been investigated,” said Fred.
A video has also emerged of what seems to be a group of ANC members having a meeting in Mamelodi.
Watch video here:
ANC Tshwane spokesperson Tebogo Joala said he was unaware of the attack.
Numerous attempts to reach Masilela were made, but no comment was received at the time of going to press.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
