The standoff between the ANC and EFF in Juju Valley has left a nine-old girl with a bullet wound and many injured.
As political temperatures reach epic proportions ahead of the fiercely-contested general elections, the animosity between the ANC and EFF members in Seshego township is similar to that of a Persian cat squaring up to a Rottweiler.
The recent violent confrontation that erupted in the corrugated shack settlement of Juju Valley in the outskirts of Polokwane are indicative of a political war that will last them a lifetime.
Despite the life-threatening events, the warring faction still vow to fight tooth and nail as the turf war rages on.
Police in the province have confirmed that during the altercation, about 25 people were left injured, including a nine-year-old girl who sustained a gunshot wound.
Apparently, the ANC had planned to take their election machinery there when they were confronted by a belligerent EFF crowd armed with knobkieiries, machetes, pangas and other dangerous weapons.
In videos that has gone viral on social media platforms, EFF members are seen blocking ANC campaigners who went to this neighbourhood to conduct their door-to-door campaigns.
The ANC in the province said it will lodge a formal complaint with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), accusing the EFF of political intolerance.
ANC provincial secretary Reuben Madadze said they are not going to allow anyone to create a no-go area, irrespective of whether the area is named after a certain person.
Madadze said ANC members will defend themselves if EFF members attack them again.
“These armed members and criminals attacked the ANC volunteers led by the provincial regional leadership of the ANC in Peter Mokaba Region, resulting in innocent people sustaining injuries from gunshots and sharp objects. In the history of this democracy, even at the height of political tension, in the period after 1994, it is unheard of, for any political formation to employ contract killers and gangsters.
EFF has condemned the violent encounter and called for calm.
Godrich Gardee, the provincial convener, said the EFF strongly condemns the violence in Juju Valley and throughout the province during this crucial period.
“This reprehensive incident stands against the principles of democracy and civil discourse that the EFF and the nation unreservedly uphold. We remind all political leaders of their responsibility to refrain from making inflammatory statements. The EFF remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, fair and democratic processes as we move towards the election” said Gardee.
Meanwhile, provincial IEC commissioner, Nkaro Mateta said the commission condemns the violent acts as it undermines the elections code of conduct.
She said “We as the electoral commission condemns any form of violence no matter where it comes from. We have a code of conduct that all political parties and independent candidates should adhere to. The IEC regrets that there were some people who were injure during this altercation.”
It is understood that EFF members did not take kindly to the presence of ANC campaigners Juju Valley, an area named after EFF leader, Julius Malema.
Majority of Juju Valley residents are EFF loyalists and have declared this neighbourhood their political fiefdom.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has also strongly condemned the violent acts, emphasising that such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
She said “We deplore this senseless act of violence that has resulted in injuries to innocent individuals, including a child. The safety and security of our communities, especially during the election period, is of utmost importance.”