Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

A ward councillor and her son appeared in the Naphuno magistrate's court on Monday after allegedly brutally assaulting two marshals during an ANC meeting on Saturday.

Ward 8 councillor in the Maruleng municipality, Joyce Mohlala, 48, and her son Motshomagedi, 27, were charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The two allegedly assaulted and stoned the two marshals during a meeting in Enable village in Sekororo outside Tzaneen.

The meeting was held to nominate delegates for the ANC conference at the University of Venda next month.

Police spokesman Captain Matome Makgoba said yesterday the rift emerged when Mohlala, who is an ex-officio member of the Harry Gwala branch of the ANC, was refused entry to the meeting.

"The marshals allegedly told Mohlala that members of the branch executive were not allowed into the hall," Makgoba said.

"Mohlala allegedly forced her way in."

Matters came to a head when Mohlala's three sons tried to reprimand the marshals for refusing their mother entry, he said.

"One of the marshals allegedly shoved the gate and hit one of the sons," Makgoba said. "A fight ensued between the marshal and Mohlala's sons."

He said police were called to the scene but the fight had been stopped by members of the committee by the time they arrived.

"We arrested the councillor and her son. The two marshals, Makoloso Mmola, 34, and Tshepo Mankgela, 25, were later arrested after Mohlala laid countercharges against them."

Benny Boshielo, spokesman for the ANC in Limpopo, said there were rules and regulations in place about the conduct of members of the ANC at meetings.