/ 2 April 2006

Violent clash breaks up ANC meeting

An African National Congress meeting at Schweizer-Reneke in the North West was abandoned after an exchange of blows among branch members, South African Broadcasting Corporation radio news reported on Saturday.

The meeting was about the election of a mayor who has been surrounded by controversy, the station said.

It said the scuffle broke out as Supra Mahumapelo, secretary of the ANC in the North West, was addressing members. Several people were seriously injured in the clash.

Saturday’s meeting followed tension between supporters of the incumbent and a candidate who was identified by the executive council.

The mayor has since been suspended as a member of the ANC, the radio station said. — Sapa