Violence but no casualties at ANC branch meeting in Malelane

POLICE IN MPUMALANGA REPORT THAT NO ONE DIED DURING AN ANC BRANCH GENERAL MEETING

It would appear that the ANC branch general meetings have a tendency to break out in violence. This is normally the result of disputes regarding names of card-carrying members according to Newzroom Afrika’s Ziyanda Ngcobo. “There are also Bogus secretaries and leaders of this Mpumalanga province.”

ANC’s Deputy Secretary-General, Jessie Duarte and NEC member Nomvula Mokonyane was in Mpumalanga today to resolve a dispute related to branches. It would appear that there are two factions again within the branches and violence erupted during the Branch General Meeting in Malelane.

Videos surface on youtube stating that ANC members were killed during the violence but the SAPS are saying the opposite.

Here are the three videos:

In a press statement released today the Police management in the province stated categorically that no one died during the ANC Branch General Meeting (BGM), which took place on Sunday, 11 April 2021, at a Community Hall in Jeppe’s Reef, near Malelane. Five people, however, did sustain serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

Information at police disposal indicates that a scuffle broke out amongst the people at the said hall and police were then notified about it. Upon arrival at the scene, they (police) were informed that the matter will be dealt with by the meeting attendees themselves however, the four police members who were dispatched to diffuse the tension, remained on site to monitor the situation from outside though. It is said that moments later, another fight broke out which prompted the police members to immediately summon for backup.

Also read: Oom Piet Marais defeated by cancer

Of the five who sustained injuries, two were later discharged meanwhile three are still at the hospital fighting for their lives. A case of malicious damage to property is also being investigated after a car was reportedly torched during the incident.

No arrests have been made as yet however the investigation is underway.

Also read the News24 article from 2018: ANC’s Thuma Mina campaign turns violent in Mpumalanga

There were also allegations that police were notified through a letter about the meeting, however police do not have any record or knowledge of such a letter. Usually, when a correspondence is made or submitted to police, a return of service normally has to be done where the recipient signs for it and indicates the date in which such correspondence was received.

Police management in the province urge organisers of such meetings, where it is anticipated that the situation might be volatile, to inform the police on time, so that necessary deployment of relevant enforcement can be facilitated.

Read more on the Department Community Safety, Security and Liaison Here.