JOHANNESBURG, August 23 (ANA) – The trial against two two African National Congress (ANC) councillors from Nelson Mandela Bay, who are facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, is expected to start in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The charges against Gamalihleli Maqula, 28, and Andile Lungisa, 39, relate to a violent brawl which broke out during a council meeting in October last year.
On August 16, mediation efforts failed in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court after defence lawyer, Luthando Nqgakayi, told the court that the matter could not be mediated and would have to go to trial.
Maqula has a previous conviction for kidnapping and assault of a teenage boy and is currently serving a sentence of correctional supervision.
Last month, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality called an urgent media briefing, alleging that the complainants in the case, Chief Whip of council Werner Senekal, and Mayoral committee head for roads and transport, Rano Kayser, had received “verified death threats via SMS” which it was claimed were linked to the ongoing criminal case against Lungisa and Maqula.
It is alleged that Maqula stabbed Senekal in the back with a sharp object, while Lungisa apparently hit Kayser, with a glass jug over his head during the council meeting which turned chaotic.
– African News Agency (ANA)
