Councillor, 8 others in dock for assault

Tshwane MMC for transport, George Matjila, and eight others were released on a warning and the case has been postponed.

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The assault case against the Tshwane Metro Council’s mayoral committee member for transport, George Matjila, and eight others has been postponed to next month.

The nine accused were released on warning by the Temba Magistrate’s Court.

Matjila, who is branch chairman of Ward 13 – incorporating Hammanskraal and surrounding areas – was arrested on Sunday morning after accusations of assault were levelled against him by branch members, some of them members of the ANC and the ANC Youth League.

He appeared in court with Doctor Makou, Andries Dinale, Samson Makotyane, Hans Mutwa, Silinga Donko Kabini, Puleng Malala, Jackie Mawela and Daniel Mojela.

Ward 95 branch member Anthony Hlongwane alleges he was assaulted by Matjila and five men at a meeting on Saturday. Hlongwane was allegedly struck with stones and bottles, while other branch members fled, escaping the assault.

Hlongwane was admitted to the Jubilee Hospital near Temba. He was discharged on Sunday morning. He filed a complaint of assault against Matjila and eight others at the Temba police station.

Tensions have been rising in the region before an ANC conference next month at which the leadership of the chairman and Tshwane executive mayor, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, is to be challenged.

Matjila could also face internal charges by the council, with a chance of his losing his job as a mayoral committee member if he is found guilty.

A well-known supporter of Ramokgopa, he has been accused of trying to influence delegates to support a push for the executive mayor to serve a second term as the regional chairman.

Matjila is accused of having imposed his brother-in-law as the councillor for Ward 95, although the man does not live in the ward. This has led to a community outcry.

The metro council has thrown its full weight behind Matjila.

It said his arrest was unfortunate, but the council would employ the “innocent until proved guilty” principle.

Council spokesman Pieter de Necker said: “The executive mayor will address the matter… he has scheduled a meeting with Matjila.”

That Matjila had been released on warning by the court meant he had not been found guilty of anything and there were no obvious sanctions against him, De Necker said.

Matjila’s supporters crammed into the courtroom on Monday, prompting the magistrate to adjourn the case twice while order was restored.

Outside the court, Matjila was given a hero’s welcome.

His supporters surrounded him and tried to prevent the media from taking pictures.

ntando.makhubu@inl.co.za - Pretoria News

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/councillor-8-others-in-dock-for-assault-1.1127532

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