MIDVAAL. – Twenty-year-old Sifiso Dlomo from Riversdale has made serious allegations against a Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor, a Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM) MMC, another Riversdale resident, and a security guard.
According to Dlomo, while he was on his way to a feeding scheme in the area, he encountered a white male resident carrying a chain, accompanied by his wife.
The resident allegedly attempted to strike Dlomo with the chain and forcefully pushed him against a tree, continuing the physical assault.
Subsequently, the man’s wife contacted the armed response, and upon the security guard’s arrival, Dlomo claims the guard joined in the assault.
During the attack, Dlomo’s aunt and uncle arrived but were unable to obtain an explanation from the individuals involved. Dlomo requested them to contact the police if he had committed any wrongdoing.
Dlomo alleges that he was then handcuffed, placed in the back of a van, and the counsellor was called.
Upon reaching a shop, the counsellor arrived and listened to both sides of the story.
Dlomo asserts that when he attempted to explain his perspective to the counsellor, he was grabbed by the chin and punched in the mouth.
Despite community members’ attempts to intervene, the counsellor allegedly continued the assault.
Dlomo claims he insisted on the police being called to the scene, but his requests were denied.
He has since filed a case against the individuals involved, stating that a doctor has advised him to extract two loose front teeth resulting from damages incurred by the incident.
In response to these allegations, MLM spokesperson Idah Satikhe stated: “We are aware of the accusations made against Ward 13 Councillor and the MMC for Public Safety and Roads.
“The MMC denies the allegations of assault, claiming intervention was aimed at diffusing a confrontation without causing harm.
“An investigation is underway, both by the police and an internal inquiry by the Council.
“Appropriate action will follow based on the findings.
“The MLM condemns vigilantism, assault, and racism and will act accordingly if claims are substantiated.”
The ANC in the Midvaal Sub-Region said in a statement it strongly condemns what it called a “racial attack and assault on a community member” and advised the victim to pursue justice through relevant Chapter 9 Institutions like the Human Rights Commission and Public Protector.
“Our Sub-Region will not rest until all perpetrators are brought to justice. Racially motivated attacks are regrettably common in our municipality, and it is imperative that we address this issue head-on.
“We urgently call on Mayor Cllr Peter Teixeira to take swift action in expediting this matter, providing the victim with the closure they deserve.
“ANC Midvaal Sub-Region will vigilantly monitor the situation with a hawk’s eye in the coming days,” Mpumelelo Mthimkulu, Chairperson of the ANC Midvaal Sub-Region said.
