The situation at Muswodi remains tense after security guards opened fire on ANC members, allegedly using both rubber bullets and live ammunition, during an ANC branch general meeting. Five people were hospitalised, while nine others were injured.
The African National Congress (ANC) branch general meeting for Ward 11 was held at Musunda Primary School on 7 February. The area is known for previous violent outbursts.
The chaos was reportedly sparked when members who disagreed over preferred candidates for the ANC’s provincial conference in Polokwane in March attempted to settle scores physically.
Factional infighting appears to be at the heart of the violent conflict. The two factions are said to be those of Musina mayor Godfrey Mawela and Ward 11 councillor Fhedzisani Nemukomambe. Both factions have openly pledged support for their preferred candidates.
As the race to the ANC’s elective conference in Polokwane next month heats up, ANC leaders in Vhembe have called on members to remain calm. Incidents of violence among ANC members have become increasingly frequent, with many cases reported across the country.
It is alleged that those injured were Mawela supporters. They intend to lay charges of attempted murder against the security guards and to sue the regional ANC, which allegedly hired the officers.
One of the victims, Mr Thembuluwo Tshikosi, who was allegedly shot by a security officer, said that when members arrived at the meeting, the security officers had a list of those allowed to attend. He said he and other members locked outside asked why the security officers were calling out names, as that was the branch secretary’s responsibility.
According to Tshikosi, members outside asked the security officers if two of them, accompanied by the officers, could enter to see what was happening inside. The officers reportedly began manhandling the members, who then threw stones in response. The security officers then opened fire.
Tshikosi was wounded and fell to the ground. He was assisted by other members, who rushed him to a clinic at Tshilamba, after which he was taken to Musina Hospital for treatment. He was later transferred to Polokwane Hospital. On Tuesday, he and three other injured members were still hospitalised.
Following the incident, rumours circulated that unknown gunmen had appeared and started shooting at the locked-out members. Tshikosi denied this, saying it was the security officers who shot them.
ANC regional secretary Matodzi Ralushai said the party condemns the incident and called for an investigation. “The branch will submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the regional office,” he said.
Vhembe police spokesperson Capt Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that police had opened cases of attempted murder. He said investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made.