Fresh details of how the EFF national spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys allegedly assaulted Wits #FeesMustFall activist Busisiwe Seabe have emerged.
This came to light when she made her first appearance at the Edenvale magistrate’s court today.
Altercation at an event
In a truncated police statement seen by Sunday World, Seabe stated that she was at an entrance of Gillooly’s Farm in Bedfordview on December 9.
The party was hosting a youth registration bash there when Mathys, her political principal, arrived at about 1pm and requested an artist access tag from her.
Seabe said when she refused, Mathys grabbed her tag, which was hanging from her neck.
As a result, said Seabe, she fell to the ground. After the incident, Seabe opened a case of common assault against Mathys at the Bedfordview Police Station.
Assault charge laid
Mathys was charged with common assault and warned to appear in court today. Magistrate Mamburu, who was presiding over the case, postponed the case to January 26 next year.
The case was postponed for further investigation and to obtain medical certificate and statements from two witnesses.
The magistrate issued a warning to the former EFF treasurer-general to appear in court on the date. Mathys was accompanied by fellow EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. She was warned that a warrant of arrest will be issued against her if she fails to appear in court on the set date.
Media barred from proceedings
Before the court proceedings, the media submitted an application to shoot videos and take pictures of Mathys when she appeared in the dock. But Mathys’s legal representative, advocate Zweli Zakwe, successfully opposed it.
Mathys, who was immaculately dressed in a grey dress, declined to comment.
Sunday World understands that the EFF will issue a statement later today in which it will reveal that its internal investigations have cleared Mathys of any wrongdoing.
