UDM volunteers attacked during a campaign. They were apparently attacked and chased out of Khaleni in Isikelo Village, Mbizana, by six men. UDM volunteers were allegedly beaten during their campaign on Monday.
UDM Councillor Lindekile Silangwe said shortly after he dropped off the volunteers, they phoned him to say they were being beaten by ANC volunteers.
“I rushed back to find them being attacked. They told us the village belonged to the ANC. I immediately called the police,” he said. Volunteer Simon Zikizela (71) said one of the young men who attacked them called him a fool.
“They dragged me by my clothes, choked me and told me they won’t be fooled by an old man. An elderly resident came over and I thought he would help but he just watched.”
Nomngqibelo Celwane (35) said she tried to intervene but was slapped twice and told to shut up. “They told us to call the cops as they were not scared.”
ANC Alfred Nzo region spokesman Onke Diko said they didn’t encourage any form of thuggery. “If individuals who call themselves our members did this, a criminal case must be opened against them,” he said.
Police spokesman Captain Khaya Tonjeni said a case of assault was opened at Mbizana Police Station. “The case is currently under investigation and the suspects are known to the police, but no arrests have been made yet.”
Today, UDM members whilst on a door to door campaign in Ward 7, Khaleni A/A, Bizana, EC, were assaulted by ANC members, led by a certain Tsepo Hlabe who is fortunately known by the UDM members. This barbaric act has been reported to the Police & IEC.
— Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) March 18, 2019
Source: Daily Sun
