Mpumalanga Premier’s bodyguards clash with forum members of Gorilla

eMBALENHLE – Mpumalanga Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtsweni’s bodyguards clashed with the Govan Mbeki Community Forum, Gorilla, after they stopped the premier’s motorcade in Extension 5.

It is alleged that the forum blocked the road, stopped the convoy and took some of vehicle’s keys.

The forum members said they were not aware that it was the premier’s motorcade and that they thought it was foreign national drug lords coming for revenge.

The forum had been raiding houses of alleged drug dealers in Evander.

They blamed the police for working with the alleged drug dealers.

The forum distanced themselves from the criminal activities and claimed that they are peaceful.

Upon hearing this, Ms Mtsweni convened a meeting with Brig Sifiso Cele from Secunda Police to find clarity on the matter.

The first meeting was held at eMbalenhle Police Station, however, police could not produce the necessary documentation.

Ms Mtsweni then decided to go to Evander Police Station and a case was opened. However, after the meeting, the media were told that they have reached a deadlock and will have to wait for the provincial commissioner.

Ms Mtsweni was accompanied by Barbara Creecy, NEC member and Ms Thandi Ngxonono, GMM Executive Mayor.

They were in the area to campaign for the ANC and were involved in a door-to-door campaign when the incident happened.

Mr Zibonele Mncwango, Premier’s spokesman, confirmed the incident and said Ms Mtsweni was not with the convoy and that only her bodyguards and other ANC members were travelling with them at the time.

“The premier was happy to hear that there are residents who are fighting crime and drugs in the area

“She will engage with police to find the crux of the matter.

“Ms Mtsweni is safe and continues with her political activities as deployed by her organisation.”

However, some of the ANC volunteers were injured.