Chaos Engulfs eThekwini Council Meeting as EFF Councillors Attack City Security Officials

A full council meeting at the eThekwini Municipality disgorged into chaos on Tuesday as members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) began assaulting city security officials. The security team had been called in to remove unruly EFF councillors who had ignored a request to exit the council chamber.

Eyewitness footage, which has made waves online, showcases a security guard being attacked by at least three EFF councillors. Assistance from a hefty colleague helps the guard skilfully dodge the onslaught.

These raucous events followed a demand from EFF to dismiss city manager, Musa Mbhele, from the gathering over allegations that the city failed to utilise a R1.9 billion conditional grant earmarked for infrastructure repairs. This grant has been returned to the National Treasury, igniting controversy.

Just before the skirmish, eThekwini mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, informed the council that fund cuts resulted from the central government's austerity measures, stressing, "This is not unique to eThekwini, as other metros are also affected.”

Earlier, Visvin Reddy, the African Democratic Change leader, stated that the scene seemed fabricated and the assault against the security guard was unprovoked.