http://www.theherald.co.za/herald/news/n17_13052008.htm

The Herald

Knives out in protest against councillor

Mawande Jack POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

A MOTHERWELL councillor‘s assistant allegedly stabbed a resident during a protest at the weekend, in a fracas the councillor says was due to him not being duly “notified” of the demonstration.

A charge has also been laid by an elderly woman who says Ward 54 councillor Likhaya Matebese swore at her.

Matebese, chairman of the Motherwell councillors, alleged yesterday that his assistant acted in retaliation. “My assistant was attacked and stabbed by them earlier. He came to my house bleeding and was immediately rushed to hospital.

“I should have been notified (of the protest) as ward councillor. These people are even staying in this ward.”

His assistant, Ntsikelelo Mahambehlala, who was discharged after being treated, said he was attacked while addressing protesters on the NU2 square.

Four elderly women also claim they were assaulted by Matabese supporters.

Police spokesman Inspector Dumile Gwavu said two case dockets were opened yesterday. “One is a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and the other (is) crimen injuria.”

The confrontation follows a protest last week over R18-million from the European Union for the Motherwell Urban Renewal Project. Angry residents held municipal officials hostage in the project offices to force mayor Nondumiso Maphazi to account for the use of the funds.

Residents have since demonstrated against councillors they claim enriched themselves. Motherwell Stakeholders Committee chairman Sandi Thwani condemned Matebese and his men for “waging attacks against the residents”.