Msimanga’s attacker says sorry for assault
DA MPL and former Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga yesterday got into trouble with an unknown man who beat him up for allegedly owing him R1.4 million.
The incident took place inside an unspecified factory in Ekurhuleni.
The altercation was filmed and the video clip subsequently went viral on social media.
In the video, the DA provincial leader and caucus head in the legislature could be seen speaking on the phone with his mouth and head bleeding.
In the background is the voice of a man, who could be heard accusing Msimanga of being a thief and being corrupt.
“You are a thief. You owe me money and I want it. You f ***** g thief,” he shouted.
The accuser then mentioned that Msimanga owed him R1.4 million and he wanted it back. The man didn’t explain what that money was for.
“Do you think I am dumb? You can’t push me and beat me around and think I won’t hit you back,” the unidentified man said.
Contacted for comment, Msimanga claimed he was at a “certain” police station in Ekurhuleni, where he was contemplating pressing charges against his assailant. He didn’t know the name of the police station.
“I got attacked an hour ago by somebody who claimed that my family owes him money,” he said.
He claimed the man had begged him not to lay charges against him in exchange for footing his medical bills.
Msimanga said he was in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, to visit one of his cousins. He claimed that he didn’t do business with the man he identified as a Mangena.
“This is somebody who is doing business with a family member of mine. My cousin has a shop. I have seen the guy before, but I don’t know him,” he said.
He said he didn’t know where the amount of R1.4m came from.
DA Gauteng chairperson Fred Nel applauded the swift response by SAPS and the arrest of the assailant.
He said: “Mr Msimanga categorically asserts that he owes no one any such money, and will consider laying charges against the assailant.”
He said the assailant was a business partner of Msimanga’s cousin.
According to him, Msimanga was attacked when he tried to intervene in a fight between the assailant and his cousin.
He said the assailant also offered to pay his medical expenses.
Meanwhile, Msimanga’s attacker has apologised after he was arrested by police yesterday.
In another video, the unidentified man, apologised to Msimanga.
“There was an unfortunate misunderstanding this afternoon that resulted in a scuffle with Mr Msimanga, and my apologies for him being hurt in the scuffle.
“The issue is resolved, no monies are outstanding. No further comment on this,” the unidentified man said.