Facebook screengrab
The Amathole District Municipality has suspended its head of security following allegations of assault after a video went viral of a councillor being dragged out of the ADM offices in East London.
Thirty-nine-year-old Phelele Phiti is suspended pending the finalization of an investigation and she has already appeared in court where she was granted bail of R500.
The ADM Executive Mayor Nceba Ndikinda says they also asked the security company that provides services to the municipality to act against their officials who were part of the actions caught on video.
Councillor Nanziwe Rulashe was manhandled at their main offices in East London where the Municipality and manager were engaged in council business in the Mnquma and Mbhashe local municipalities.
Mayor Ndikinda says the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation was conducting an oversight visit on their infrastructure projects at the time of the incident.
Councillor Rulashe, who is referred to as a whistleblower, is believed to have asked some uncomfortable questions when the scuffle broke out.
The Municipality first distanced itself from the incident but subsequently issued a follow-up statement in which it acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the harm it has caused to Councillor Rulashe and her family.
Mayor Ndikinda promised to leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is served accordingly.
A total of five people have been arrested in connection with the assault and they will all be back in court on the 11th of March.
