Resident charges councillor with assault after argument
A BUFFALO City ANC councillor has been charged with assault after she allegedly attacked a resident in her ward on Human Rights Day.
Ward 10 councillor Roseline Vitbooi allegedly attacked Andisiwe Nkathazo after Nkathazo asked her for information on a local housing project meeting held earlier in the day.
Warrant Officer Hazel Mqala said a case of common assault had been opened by Nkathazo on Tuesday.
“We are investigating the matter and no arrest has been made,” said Mqala.
Nkathazo alleged she had been attacked after asking about a meeting that took place on Human Rights day.
“The councillor had called a meeting on March 21. The meeting was meant to give feedback on the housing project that is currently in progress.
“I could not attend the meeting but I bumped into her at a shop that happens to be leasing in her yard and asked her to tell me what was the feedback,” said Nkathazo.
The 27-year-old, who is an RDP house beneficiary currently under construction in the area, said she was puzzled at the responses given by the councillor.
“We exchanged insults until she could not take it anymore and she decided to attack me,” said Nkathazo.
Buffalo City Metro said it would institute its own probe into the attack.
Ayabulela Ngoqo, spokesman for mayor Xola Pakati, said councillors should try to avoid such incidents.
“If there is a case opened with the police the municipality will allow that process to unfold,” he said.
The Dispatch was unable to reach Vitbooi for a comment at the time of writing yesterday. —