Justice Ngalonkulu, the ANC's head of elections in Johannesburg and also an employee of the City of Johannesburg, appeared in court after being arrested in May in connection with the assault of a female paramedic, Shalati Mushwana.
News24 reports that the matter was postponed to 1 July. Ngalonkulu is currently out on bail.
The incident had occurred after Mushwana had transported Ngalongkulu’s brother, who was injured in a car accident, to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
At the court, Mushwana, with her arm in a sling, was supported by senior staff members and colleagues, while another city official, MMC Loyiso Masuku, was among the accused’s unruly supporters – mostly women – who hurled insults and threats of violence at paramedics and the media.
Some of them even attempted to physically attack journalists who tried to interview Masuku.
A man among the crowd took pictures and videos of the paramedics who were there supporting Mushwana, and also wrote down the registration numbers of their vehicles, threatening to report them to their seniors.
Anti-GBV Crisis Committee spokesperson Teboho Magafane slammed Masuku for supporting Ngalonkulu.
“We are shocked to witness the harassment of journalists, especially from females who are expected to support the victim. The justice system must be allowed to do its work freely. Our courts must be respected.
“We are here to support a mother, sister and a frontline worker saving lives. How do you abuse a frontline worker?”
Gauteng head of EMS Reuben Ruiters said it was usual for paramedics to support colleagues who had been victimised on duty.
“When a member has been attacked (and a person had been arrested for that), we always go to courts to offer moral support to our victimised colleague… to show that we don’t condone these attacks.”
He added that Mushwana’s well-being and recovery were of the utmost importance, and “until she indicates she is ready to return to her operational duties, we will put her in a secure environment”.
“We are providing all the support she needs.”
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
ANC ‘big shot’ charged for assault on paramedic
Gauteng EMS plagued by attacks and shortages
Violent attacks prompt special training for Gauteng healthcare staff