EFF MP on Trial for Alleged Assault of Photographer

Floyd Shivambu seen in an altercation with Netwerk24 journalist Adrian de Kock outside Parliament (Photo via Jason Felix).

Economic Freedom Fighter MP Floyd Shivambu is on trial in the Cape Town Magistrates Court this week for his alleged assault of a Netwerk 24 journalist.

Shivambu is accused of assaulting a Netwerk24 photographer, Adrian De Kock, in March 2018 after the two had an exchange at the Parliament. Shivambu said he was trying to get the photographer to delete the photos taken. 

He is pleading not guilty to the charges.

Witness testimonies from Wednesday's hearing said the MP charged at the photographer and that the photographer has necessary accreditation to take photos at the time of the incident.

The trial also revealed a second person attacked De Kock. 

During his witness testimony, De Kock showed a video revealing a lanyard with media credentials at the time of the alleged assault.

De Kock said Shivambu took his camera and began mashing buttons to attempt to delete the photos taken. The photographer also said another man grabbed De Kock's cellphone and tried to break it. 

Video from the trial showed Shivambu putting his hands near De Kock's neck and pushing him against a wall during the scuffle. 

De Kock is claiming R300 000 for damages from the alleged assault. The photographer denied claims that he brought this case to the court in an attempt to make money.   

The trial will continue throughout this week.

By Ben Rappaport