EFF MP Andile Mngxitama was scheduled to address the media but was forced to postpone his briefing as EFF members loyal to Julius Malema disrupted proceedings.
Mngxitama was set to brief the media over his current role and future within the EFF as well as his disagreements with EFF head, Malema.
The two have been at loggerheads over several issues including Malema’s protection of North West leader, Papiki Babuile who has been convicted for murder. Babuile previously enjoyed a monthly salary provided by the North West legislature despite his conviction. He was paid his December and January salary and has since been removed from the legislature pay roll.
Before Mngxitama could speak at the briefing, held at a Southern Sun hotel, supporters of Malema and Mngxitama began trying to out sing each other. While it is unclear if Malema ordered his supporters to go to the briefing, a clash ensued with the warring factions pushing and shoving each other around.
In TV footage EFF members can be seen acting violently towards each other with several attempting to assault Mngxitama. Reporters from various media houses were also caught up in the fray.
Mngxitama escaped unharmed after he was shielded by his colleagues. He later tweeted: ““Thanks to those fighters who protected me against the uninformed fighters. I’m alive. The press briefing shall happen today.”
– Timeslive