Cape Town police have been accused of dragging their feet in their investigation of ANC MP Faith Bikani for common assault, back in July

Airport customer care service agent Nomabali Ndalana laid charges of assault against Bikani on July 2, after the MP allegedly slapped her in the face, grabbed and punched her.

Bikani and Ndalana got into a squabble after the MP's luggage was taken to the Kulula lost property office at the airport.

Ndalana said Bikani became upset after finding her bags at the office, as she had flown with British Airways.

"I tried to explain that Khulula and British Airways were the same company but she did not listen. Instead, she grabbed the bags and left."

Ndalana said she told Bikani she could not take her luggage without a tag to prove it was her property.

"The MP fumed. She asked me if I knew who she was. I told her I just wanted her to comply with our rules.

" She grabbed me and slapped me in the face. The next thing I felt was a punch and a whole lot of insults. Fortunately my colleagues saw the incident and came to my rescue," said Ndalana at the weekend.

She said Bikani also threatened to have her fired.

Bikani admitted having grabbed Ndalana but denied slapping or punching her.

"If this woman wants to blow this thing out of proportion, it's fine, but I know with the powers vested in me, I can have her fired because of the trauma she put me through from her unprofessional conduct," said Bikani.

Bikani claimed Ndalana was rude and did not explain anything about baggage tags. She claimed that Ndalana's colleagues ganged up on her so she had to defend herself.

"I did not hit her, she is lying. I also opened a case against her, but I cannot remember the charge."

Captain Kernen Philander of Cape Town International Airport said both cases of common assault were still under investigation.