MIDDELBURG – Steve Tshwete Speaker Thato Mathunyane is suing four ANC councillors for no less than a million rand for reputational damages.
This comes after a scuffle between Mathunyane and ANC councillors during a meeting to discuss a motion of no-confidence against Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Mathunyane was prevented from chairing the meeting as councillors demanded to know whether it was a continuation of the previous one on Monday, May 13, 2024, or a new meeting.
The altercation, which occurred in full view of law enforcement and security agencies, led to the collapse of the council meeting after councillors jumped from their seats and grabbed the microphone from Mathunyane, preventing him from continuing.
“The meeting will not continue until you give us answers,” said one councillor who could not be named. The civil claim is directed at councillors Sizwe Zulu, Ernest Nkwana, Johannes Skosana, and William Phethla.
Mathunyane also stated that he has opened a criminal case of crimen injuria, assault, and intimidation against the four.
The paper has seen a letter from Mathunyane’s attorney to one of the councillors demanding a R250,000 payment.
“Your acts of intimidation and threats has further placed our client at risk and we will pursue the matter to obtain a protection order against yourself,” the letter said.
“We are further looking forward to the outcome of the pending criminal investigation into your conduct and trust that justice shall prevail as we have eyewitnesses to your conduct.
We further herewith, as we do herewith, demand a payment of R250 000.00 in respect of reputational damages suffered through your conduct.” The letter also instructed the councillor to issue a formal apology to Mathunyane.”Should our demands not be met within 7 days hereof, we will proceed with issuing summons in the High Court of Middelburg against you. We shall further seek punitive costs on an attorney own client scale should legal action be required.”
The ANC in the Nkangala region denied that its councillors assaulted the speaker. “There was no assault at the council. We are saying this because we were there and witnessed what happened,” said Secretary Sello Matshoga.
“From our perspective, the councillors raised valid concerns as they sought clarity on the standing rules of order used to convene the meeting. The speaker ignored their concerns and continued to be biased towards the ANC.”
Matshoga added that the party would defend the councillors. “We believe that the councillors are correct, and we will appoint lawyers to represent them in court,” he said.
Another member of the Steve Tshwete Mayoral Committee (MMC), Grace Mathibela, responsible for financial services, is set to appear before the Middelburg Magistrates Court on Monday, May 26, for allegedly assaulting a municipal employee last year.
