Mahikeng – The State added two more charges – of intimidation and assault – to ANC Councillor Luvuyo Tolo Maqwane’s previous charge of malicious damage to property at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.The State charged that Maqwane, a ward councillor in the Rustenburg municipality, led a mob to attack members of the EFF at Popo Molefe informal settlement on July 13.
The mob allegedly stoned EFF members’ cars while they were campaigning in the area ahead of the party’s second anniversary rally to be held in Olympia Park Stadium on Saturday.
Investigating officer Constable Kamogelo Khunou told the court that Maqwane’s life was at risk should he be granted bail.
“At this stage… complainants personally told me they will attack him following threats he made to them on that day.”
The court was cleared before his application was heard, with the State contesting that the number of people in the courtroom was more had been agreed upon.
The State and the defence agreed that only 20 people – 10 from the EFF and 10 from the ANC – would be allowed in the courtroom to maintain order.
Public order police were monitoring the situation. The bail application was expected to resume later on Wednesday.
PH
