Call for police to probe Msimanga attack over R1.4m ‘debt’

THE ANC has called for a thorough investigation into the viral video showing former Tshwane mayor and DA provincial leader Solly Msimanga being assaulted.

The ANC caucus in the provincial legislature, while condemning “in the strongest terms” the violent scenes captured in video footage”, called on law enforcement to investigate the scuffle.

It involved the unknown man accusing Msimanga of owing him

R1.4 million and calling him a thief. However, the DA said in a statement Msimanga did not owe the attacker and that the incident was due to a misunderstanding.

ANC caucus spokesperson Lesego Makhubela said: “We call upon law enforcement agencies to properly investigate this incident despite claims that the perpetrator and Msimanga have smoked a peace pipe. Acts of violence should not be swept under the carpet and should instead be investigated and prosecuted.”

Makhubela called the footage of the one apologising to the other a “so-called truce” and asked if it was not an attempt to cover up corrupt ion allegations against Msimanga.

“The haste in which this matter was handled and allegedly resolved raises more questions and suspicions,” Makhubela added.

A case was, however, not opened after the two reached an agreement and cleared the misunderstanding.

Makhubela said: “The circumstances around the whole violent incident and the allegations made against the DA leader who was axed from Tshwane under a dark cloud of corruption, warrants a probe as to whether Msimanga has declared his directorship of the said company in the Register of Members Interests in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

“We further call upon the legislature Integrity and Ethics Committee to investigate whether there was any impropriety on the part of Msimanga.”

He did say the caucus called on society to isolate and reject those who used violence to settle disputes, adding that they were not surprised by the DA rushing to the defence of Msimanga.