EXCLUSIVE: Mayor Mpho Phalatse discusses fiasco at first council meeting

The Mayor of Johannesburg, Dr Mpho Phalatse, has decided to lay criminal charges against councillors involved in Thursday’s disruptions at a council meeting.

READ: Phalatse lays charges against ‘criminal’ Joburg councillors

Phalatse laid criminal charges against ANC and EFF councillors at Hillbrow Police Station on Friday. 

She was joined by several other councillors who suffered physical injuries during Thursday’s chaos.

READ: Martin Bester gets to know Johannesburg mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse

Phalatse said assault is a crime that cannot be ignored. 

“Crime was committed. I think we have come to a time now where we need to call a spade a spade, a crime is a crime, and it is not okay to normalise criminal activity. Our councillors were assaulted in the workplace where they should be feeling safe, they were assaulted by their colleagues, people that they should trust and be able to work within trusted relationships. 

READ: Rocky start to the year as first Joburg council meeting postponed

"That is unaccepted and people need to understand that what they did constitutes criminal behaviour and that South Africa is a country that has laws. We have a criminal system that I am hoping will work for us and give justice to our councillors and our residents because this is an assault on our democracy.”

The sitting, which was the first of 2022, has been postponed to Tuesday.

Phalatse elaborated about the incident on Breakfast with Martin Bester.

"We had to lay charges. A crime was committed. South Africa has become so desensitised towards crime. The only way to put a stop to crime is when there are consequences."

Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here. 

Image Credit: Jacaranda FM