CoCT council Speaker to review footage, audio of alleged choking of EFF councillor

CAPE TOWN - City of Cape Town council Speaker Felicity Purchase has given her account related to the alleged choking of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Mzubanzi Dambuza, during a council meeting this week.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), GOOD Party, and African National Congress (ANC) have since called for a full investigation, alleging that Purchase acted with bias and failed to uphold council rules.

The city said the incident was being "carefully reviewed".

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Purchase said she was aware of allegations of excessive force and would be reviewing all footage and audio related to the incident.

A video taken of the incident shows Dambuza being held down by a security officer while apparently being choked.

Purchase said that Dambuza repeatedly disrupted proceedings and did not follow her instructions to leave the council chambers.

"I have also been informed that certain EFF members assaulted designated peace officers, resulting in injuries that require hospital treatment."

Purchase said she believes the incident was premeditated and designed to attract media attention.

Western Cape police have confirmed that a criminal investigation is underway, but no arrests have been made.