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On Thursday, DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga was beaten up in Benoni, Gauteng, after being accused of owing people money (R1.4 million). A video making the rounds on social media on Thursday afternoon shows Msimanga bleeding from the mouth and head after an apparent physical fight. He is seen calling the police while his alleged assailant requests that he be paid back.
“You are a liar and a thief, Solly. This is what happens to liars and thieves and you are not going to turn this into a political storm. Where did you get the money that you paid into JD?” the unidentified man asks. You can’t beat me and push me around and think that I will not hit you back. The police are not for the DA; it is for us citizens.”
The man then proceeds to flick Msimanga’s blazer and ask where he has placed his gun, however, the DA Gauteng leader is seen stepping back to avoid the exposure of the firearm.
In a second video, Msimanga seems to have reconciled with his alleged attacker. At that point, the man has calmed down and explains that he was wrong to have attacked Msimanga.
“There was an unfortunate misunderstanding this afternoon which resulted in a scuffle with Mr Msimanga and my apologies to him being hurt. The issue is resolved and there is no money outstanding on his part. No further comment on the subject,” the man said.
Meanwhile, the DA in Gauteng has already issued a statement defending Msimanga, saying that he does not owe anyone money. They also welcomed the swift response by police and the arrest of the assailant who allegedly assaulted Msimanga.
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The DA has condemned what they deem as a “vicious” and “criminal” attack on the provincial leader. They used the statement to give an account of what took place between the two men.
“Mr Msimanga was on a social visit to his cousin in Benoni when the assailant, a business partner of the cousin, attacked Mr Msimanga’s family member. Mr Msimanga tried to intervene when he too was attacked. While on video, the assailant then accused Mr Msimanga, who was on the phone to police, that Mr Msimanga owed him money.
“The assailant was arrested by police and has since publicly apologised to Mr Msimanga, confirming that no monies were owed to him by Mr Msimanga.
The assailant also offered to pay the medical expenses and other losses Mr Msimanga may have suffered in the process.
The party has decided to respect Msimanga’s decision on how to further deal with the matter.
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