ANC councillor’s office torched

Michael Nkalane

AN ANC councillor’s office was destroyed by fire yesterday in what the party says is part of jostling for positions.

Yesterday, the ANC’s electroal screening committee was using the office of councillor Mzuzile Mpondwana when it was stormed by a group of armed men carrying cans of petrol.

The committee was going through applications for candidates for the local government elections.

Committee chairperson Vusumzi Mahobe said: “They demanded that we get out. We did not hesitate because we noticed they meant business.

“I ran to my car, and they followed me and started shooting, while others waiting outside the gate were throwing stones, smashing it. But luckily I survived.”

Police spokesperson André Traut confirmed an office at Ngqwangi Street in Lower Crossroads was damaged by fire. He said police were investigating a case of arson.

“No one has been arrested as yet,” he said.

The committee was finalising questions for Ward 35 councillor candidates Mpondwana, Buzwe Kali and Nomakhosazana Jelwana.

Mpondwana said a week ago a group of men went to his house and told him to leave the office. “I am not safe at all. This was directed to me, but by God’s grace, I was not here.”

ANC provincial spokesperson Jabu Mfusi said if there were disgruntled candidates, they should write a letter and complain to the provincial structure. “There are internal processes to resolve infighting if there is.

“Each candidate will be paraded before the community. Then voters will approve and decide which leader they choose. I condemn this barbaric action.

“This is not the first time Mpondwana has been attacked. Just last year, his house was burnt and now its his office,” he said.

michael.nkalane@inl.co.za

@siyaks