THERE was drama outside the eThekwini Municipality on Thursday
morning when cops arrested mayor Zandile Gumede’s supporters.
In the process cops also arrested journalists for allegedly filming the arrest of the suspended mayor’s supporters.
Independent Media reporter Sihle Mavuso and eNCA's Siphamandla Goge were manhandled and shoved to the back of police van.
Although Goge was later released Mavuso wasn't that lucky.
KZN police arrested ENCA journalist Siphamandla Goge outside the Durban City Hall. Cops were dispersing mayor Zandile Gumede's supporters. Goge was released later after the intervention of senior police officers. pic.twitter.com/JYv4KFgbt4
— Daily Sun (@dailysunsa) July 11, 2019
He was taken to the police station, cops accused him of assaulting a police officer during arrest.
The problem started in the early hours of the morning when less than 100 mayor supporters started blocking Pixley kaSeme street next to City Hall, where the mayor's offices are.
Gumede was supposed to return to her office today after her 30-day suspension by the ANC provincial office lapsed, but the ANC told her not to come as it had extended her suspension.
Ethekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede's supporters have brought the Durban city centre to a standstill demanding her return. This after the ANC provincial leadership extended her suspension on Wednesday. She was expected to return to her office today. pic.twitter.com/If6gV5CbNV
— Daily Sun (@dailysunsa) July 11, 2019
Party provincial secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli told the media on Wednesday that the mayor won’t come back until the team that was assessing her situation had completed its work.
The mayor is out on R50 000 bail after she was arrested for fraud in connection with R208 million solid waste tender scandal.
She will return to court on 8 August.
