Leslie – Vusi Masilela – the party agent who allegedly stabbed a colleague from a rival party during the voter registration weekend – appeared in the Evander Regional Court in Mpumalanga on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old was allegedly involved in a heated altercation that culminated in the stabbing of a female party agent from the United Independent Movement (UIM).
The wounded woman was rushed to hospital for life-saving treatment.
Masilela was subsequently arrested and remains behind bars.
On Tuesday, the accused’s matter was, however, adjourned.
Masilela will next appear in court on Friday, (16 February 2024), when his bail application is likely to be heard.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said: “The case was postponed for a formal bail application at the regional court”.
Commenting on the matter, UIM Vice President Fatima Abdool, said: “This smacks of absolute intolerance and an absence of patriotism among us as South Africans.
“If we as a citizen cannot raise different opinions fairly and democratically without putting our lives at risk, it indicates that it is now more than ever a necessity for all South Africans to go to the polls and change the trajectory of this country.”
The UIM vice president added: “Years ago, being a politician was a noble job. Today, the word politician has almost become a swear word.
“It is synonymous with corruption, fraud, theft, sexual assault, and murder.”
