Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Fikile Xasa, said he “noted with regret” the two-year jail term imposed on ANC Nelson Mandela Bay councillor, Andile Lungisa.
Magistrate Morne Cannon on Wednesday also turned down Lungisa’s application for leave to appeal.
He earlier sentenced Lungisa to three in jail, of which one year was suspended, for assaulting DA councillor Rano Kayser with a glass jug during the infamous Council brawl of 2016.
In a statement, MEC Fikile Xasa said the “outcome of the court case is depressing and unfortunate and we respect the independence of the judiciary”.
"We sympathise with Councillor Lungisa and his family during this difficult time.”
“We trust that they will find courage and strength to confront the challenges that lie ahead of him," said MEC Xasa.
