/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Letsemeng Local Municipal Council Speaker, Hani Mthukwane removed a councillor with force during a Special Council sitting today under the pretence of refusing to withdraw his statement during the discussions regarding the appointment of a new Municipal Manager.

The manner that the councillor was removed from the council is unacceptable as he did not disrupt the meeting and was willing to withdraw his statement and wanted to correct himself.

As soon as the two bodyguards could not get the councillor out of the council the police were phoned and proceeded to remove the councillor from the council chambers with force. This is not the first time that the Speaker has tried shaming councillors for opposing the ANC.

The Speaker of the Council is there to protect proceedings and should give all councillors an opportunity to represent the community and use their freedom of speech. When DA Cllr, Mariska Potgieter, started recording the incident as it became violent, she was shouted at by ANC councillors to stop recording.

The DA will protect the freedom of speech for all residents by reporting this problem to the MEC of CoGTA and will not remain silent on the injustice caused by the ANC Speaker.

Issued by Mariska Potgieter - DA Councillor Letsemeng Local Municipality