NCC councillor threatens to sue MLM

JANE FURSE

 

The Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) is yet to comment on the incident of assault during a council meeting last Thursday.

A councillor at the MLM is reportedly suing the municipality after he was allegedly assaulted and handcuffed during a council meeting.

 

National Communist Congress (NCC) councillor Robert Maapea was allegedly assaulted and dragged from a council meeting by security personnel and speaker Judy Mphelane. This was after he was alleged to be causing disruptions.

Maapea who is the only representative of the NCC, was tied to a pole with handcuffs by the security personnel.

 

Photos of him being handcuffed to a pole were circulated on social media last week. He was tied and cuffed for several hours by security guards.

 

According to other councillors at the MLM, Maapea allegedly disagreed with some motions being tabled during the council sitting. The disagreements allegedly led to a chaotic situation, thereafter Maapea was handcuffed.

 

Speaking on National radio Thobela FM, Maapea’s legal representative Adv Mphafolane Koma said a case of assault has been opened against the Speaker.

 

“As a result of this unlawful action, a case of assault has been opened at Jane Furse police station on Friday. We have not yet been informed if the suspect has been arrested or not but a case has been opened at Jane Furse police station. We are also suing the MLM.”

 

Koma also indicated that his client has been subjected to death threats. “There are calls made to him after we initiated legal action against the municipality.

 

“MLM’s spokesperson Lemson Morapyane said, “We are not commenting on the issue at this stage.”