Police arrested a man in Kuruman on Tuesday for unruly behaviour outside the Kgalagali District municipal offices where African National Congress leaders were meeting to resolve a deadlock in the party’s Northern Cape provincial congress.
”He in turn laid a charge of assault against police,” said Superintendent Hendrik Swart.
National and provincial ANC leaders were locked in meetings at the district offices for most of Tuesday to resolve issues that were causing the congress to be delayed.
Thabo Mothibi, the man who was arrested, described the incident as ”total police brutality”.
Mothibi, a former ANC media liaison officer in the province, said he was confident that ”justice would prevail” and that the matter would be investigated by the Independent Complaints Directorate.
He said he was released shortly after being charged.
The incident caused a scuffle between police and ANC members from the Frances Baard region (Kimberley).
The group was singing and dancing at the offices in support of provincial secretary Neville Mompati, who is standing as new party leader.
The protesters at the scene accused the police of ”taking away people” who were not supporting current ANC chairperson John Block, who is standing for re-election. – Sapa