Musina mayor Godfrey Mawela is expected to appear at a local court today for allegedly assaulting a man with fists and empty bottles during a brawl at a tavern at the weekend.
Mawela was arrested on Saturday after a physical confrontation with a 25-year-old man.
Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said police in Muswodi in the Vhembe district have arrested a 39-year-old man for assault after he allegedly assaulted another male person at a liquor outlet.
"The victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment. The suspect will appear in Mutale magistrate's court on Monday [today]," he said.
Mojapelo added that the suspect was released on R3,000 bail.
According to a police officer, the complainant alleged that he was attacked with fists and bottles allegedly by the mayor.
However, it is not yet known what triggered the brawl.
Mojapelo couldn't confirm or deny if empty bottles were used during the brawl but said the information is part of the investigations. He said the suspect handed himself over to the police shortly after the incident and was subsequently arrested.
Attempts to get Mawela's contact number were fruitless, he couldn't be reached for comment yesterday. Municipality spokesperson Wilson Dzebu promised to forward Mawela's contact numbers, but he did not do so at the time of publication.
Dzebu said they have noted reports about the mayor's arrest and will issue an official comment after his court appearance.
Mawela was installed in November as mayor after the ANC's vigorous process on the nomination of mayoral candidates.
According to an ANC member in Vhembe, who wished not to be named, said Mawela should step aside with immediate effect and allow those who will not drag the name of the party into the mud to lead the municipality.
"As a leader, particularly mayor, you can't be seen exchanging blows with members of the public. We expected him to be extremely calm with everyone because he is the leader of the community and a first citizen for that matter," he said
ANC provincial secretary Soviet Lekganyane didn't respond to Sowetan questions at the time of going to print.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.