Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Nketoana is facing internal division following serious assault involving Councillor Mbangiso Mtolo and ward leadership.
Cynthia Nhlapo, Deputy Chairperson of Ward 3, alleges she was assaulted on 27 March 2025 by Mtolo and his girlfriend, Thokozile Shabalala.
According to Nhlapo, the incident began when Mtolo forcibly kicked down a door.
“Mbangiso kicked the door down, and then Thokozile came at me with wild slaps, accusing me of stealing her money. She strangled me on the sofa. While she was questioning me, Mbangiso repeatedly hit me on the forehead with a bottle,” she said.
Nhlapo further said that as she tried to defend herself, the violence escalated.
“I managed to overpower her, but Mbangiso came again with the same bottle, hitting my mouth.”
She added that her boyfriend attempted to intervene but was also attacked.
“My boyfriend tried to step in, but Thokozile slapped him, and Mbangiso pushed him while holding a knife.
Realising that Mbangiso was drunk, he pleaded with him to stop, but Mbangiso became more aggressive, accusing him of flirting with his girlfriend.”
Despite the severity of the allegations, Nhlapo did not open a criminal case.
“I was advised by officers (SAPS) not to. I was told that if he was arrested, fixing the damaged door would be delayed, and I was vacating the property the same day,” sheexplained.
Nhlapo confirmed that Mtolo later repaired the damaged door, and no charges were laid.
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She also stated that the matter was reported internally within the EFF, expressing disappointment at what she describes as silence from a party that publicly positions itself as a champion against gender-based violence (GBV) and her email was received as shown below.
Nhlapo has since resigned citing the assault as the reason.
EFF Councillor Mbangiso Mtolo did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
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