Local economic development MMC Wesley Kgang, 36, also a former ANC Youth League (Ancyl) leader, was arrested on Saturday (24/1). He faces allegations of drunken driving, resisting arrest, assault on a traffic official and malicious property damage.

He has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, assault, crimen injuria, malicious damage to property and resisting arrest.

Traffic officials were conducting routine patrols in Leask Street at around 06:30 when they spotted a black sedan driving against oncoming traffic. A traffic official reportedly stopped the vehicle and approached the driver, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. 

When the suspect was questioned about his actions and informed that he was under arrest, he became aggressive, said North West police spokesperson Lt. Col. Sam Tselanyane. “Upon interviewing the suspect for his actions and informing him of his arrest, he became aggressive and started attacking the female traffic officials,” said Tselanyane.

Fellow officials attempted to intervene, but the situation escalated, prompting the police to be called. The suspect was eventually restrained.

Further investigations

Kgang was released on bail on Sunday and appeared in court on Monday. The matter was postponed to 18 February to allow for further investigations and the finalisation of blood sample results.

Speaking after his court appearance, Kgang denied he was driving at the time of the incident and insisted his remarks should not be taken out of context. “My lawyer may have indicated that a matter that I’m before this court with, according to the state, is driving under the influence of alcohol.

“That is a matter (I’ll be defending) through my legal team … before this court. What baffles me as a leader of society, I would have been with friends on Saturday afternoon, having drinks.”

“It’s what I want to say to society: that I must not be quoted out of context. I’m not above the law. 

“I said I will not be arrested by traffic officers, as I’m heard on the video precisely because I was not behind the steering wheel. I had no business being arrested by traffic officers because I believe I was not driving, I was not contravening anything.”

Kgang apologised to the public for his behaviour and the condition he was in at the time of the incident. He added he has a designated driver, explaining he’s not driven himself for some time after his life was threatened about a year ago.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh