By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) treasurer-general Leigh-Ann Mathys is expected to appear in court today on charges of assault.
She was arrested for assaulting another EFF member and charged at the Bedfordview police station in Ekurhuleni.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said: “An assault case [has been] opened for further investigation and the suspect is expected to appear before court on Monday.”
The EFF is yet to issue an official statement on the assault charges againts Mathys and this story will be updated once comment is received from the party.
This is not the first time that the EFF leaders landed in hot water with the law.
Party leader Julius Malema and his bodyguard are charged in connection with a shooting incident that took place on 28 July 2018 at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, during the party’s fifth birthday celebrations.
Last year, EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu was cleared of a charge of common assault.
Meanwhile next year’s election is seen as the most important one since the dawn of democracy and the end of apartheid in 1994.
According to data from the Electoral Commission (IEC), there are about 27 million registered voters: approximately 10 million of those are in the age groups of 18-29 and 30-39.
Malema said, his party is not settling for anything below 50% in next year’s elections.
The party commanded 10.80% in the 2019 national elections, an increase from 6.35% in 2014.
Malema added that his party is confident more than ever before that they will occupy the Union Buildings post the 2024 elections.