ANC attackers severely assault two DA members on East Rand

Two DA members have been hospitalized after being severely assaulted by people said to be ANC members in Davyton on the East Rand .

In the second assault in two months, people identified as ANC members hacked and chopped local DA branch chair Colin Mdluli and branch secretary Thokazani Mhleko at the Mogoba informal settlement this morning. The attackers apparently used a spade, a pick and an axe. They also burned down Mdluli's shack.

Both Mdluli and Mhleko are in hospital where Mhleko‘s condition is said to be critical.

The attack came after the DA members had complained about the quality of housing built by ANC members who had government contracts in the area.

A number of local residents witnessed the attack and are said to be able to identify the attackers. The DA calls on Safety MEC Firoz Cachalia to personally intervene to ensure the attackers are arrested and charged. Those responsible need to be brought to justice swiftly so as to send a message that political intolerance will not be taken lightly.

This is the second such incident in 24 hours in Gauteng . Earlier I reported [see below] an ANC attempt to disrupt a meeting I attended in Kya Sands yesterday. We expect the ANC to severely discipline those of its members found to be involved in these incidents of political intolerance.

DA foils ANC bid to disrupt meeting

DA members have foiled an attempt by ANC youths to disrupt a DA meeting in Kya Sands.

A crowd of about 200 attended an outdoor DA gathering at the northern Johannesburg shack settlement yesterday. About 30 ANC youths wearing ANC insignia and shouting threats barged into the meeting with vuvuzelas. As they openly drank alcohol and smoked dagga - the DA supporters indicated they would not be moved. DA leaders had to intervene to stop an outbreak of violence.

ANC structures should discipline their supporters. If they do not, it is a clear endorsement of an attempt to win elections through fear and thuggery. South Africa does not need that sort of irresponsible politics at this time of change. Jacob Zuma and Julius Malema have set a poor example.

These two statements were issued by John Moodey, MPL, Democratic Alliance leader in Gauteng, October 20 2008