The EFF chief whip in North West has been accused of assault by a junior staff member at the provincial legislature after an argument.

Bunga Ntsangane, who is also EFF deputy provincial chairman, allegedly also threatened to "cut off" the woman's private parts during their heated argument.

The complainant has asked Sowetan not to publish her name for fear of reprisals.

The alleged assault took place on Thursday when Ntsangane demanded the woman, who is an EFF administrator at the legislature, come to work early the following day.

Police spokeswoman Kealeboga Moleko said a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm has been opened against Ntsangane.

The woman said she was pushed against the wall by Ntsangane when she demanded to know why she had to report for work earlier than the usual time.

She said Ntsangane told her that she had to open offices belonging to provincial chairwoman Betty Diale to staff members from the assets department

"He banged his car keys and his cellphone on my desk as he told me I must make sure I am early the following day so that I can open the office of the provincial chairwoman for the assets team to get access.

"I told him that even if I can get there early I won't be able to assist as I do not have the keys to the office.

"He came swearing at me from the other side of the desk and threw me against the printer. He stretched his hand as if he wanted to strangle me and I kicked him back."

The woman said while screaming and trying to get help from other staff members Ntsangane grabbed her and continued assaulting her.

"He said he was going to cut off my private parts," she said.

She said she suffered bruises on her left arm, thighs and knee. Ntsangane, who was at the police station yesterday for questioning, denied assaulting the complainant.

"I did not hit her and this is between us and the organisation, I can't respond to you.

"We have to speak to the organisation we belong to. We are going to talk about what she understands happened and I will tell my side of the story."

He said he was also assaulted by the junior staff member.

Diale, who allegedly also witnessed the assault, said she had transferred the matter to their national office.

"We are against any form of violence against women. We have no doubt that the EFF will take accurate actions in this matter," Diale said.