Snl24 | Leader in hot water over gogo assault!

Eastern Cape headman Avela Ngobesilo Njuqwana has been arrested after a video showing him allegedly assaulting an elderly woman.

A VILLAGE leader has been arrested.

This after a video allegedly showing him assaulting an elderly woman went viral on social media on Thursday, 30 January.

Eastern Cape headman Avela Ngobesilo Njuqwana appeared in the Elliotdale Magistrates Court on Monday, 3 February.

His case was postponed to Monday, 10 February 2025 for a formal bail application and to confirm previous convictions.

The video shows the headman allegedly assaulting an elderly woman by slapping her while she was seated.

When another elderly woman tried to stop the attack, the headman punched her until both gogos fell to the ground.

Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Zolile Williams immediately placed Avela Njuqwana on precautionary suspension pending an investigation.

“To this end, the MEC for Cogta, empowered by Section 32 of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Act of 2017, has placed the Traditional Leader on precautionary suspension pending investigations.

“I take the video very seriously and will ensure justice for the two elderly women. I appreciate Chief Bambilizwe Sigcawu’s swift intervention and the quick action by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in arresting the perpetrator,” said Williams.

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He also said Cogta has started the necessary processes to enact the suspension.

Bangisizwe Ndabele Mtoto, chief spokesman for the AmaXhosa Kingdom of the Nqadu Great Place, said the actions in the video are shocking and don’t reflect the kingdom’s values of respect, dignity, and integrity.

“As a kingdom, we prioritise the well-being and safety of all community members, especially women, children, and the elderly. We do not tolerate abuse against women,” Mtoto said.

Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said cops acted quickly.

“A case of assault was opened, and a preliminary investigation began. Initially, they couldn’t find the suspect. Later, detectives from Elliotdale SAPS arrested the 29-year-old suspect. He was charged with assault, though the motive is still unclear and under investigation,” said Mawisa.

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