A North West African National Congress member was addressing the plenary session on Friday when another delegate tried to stop him, Mthembu said.

"One of the delegates grabbed the [microphone] from that person and a scuffle ensued... a scuffle ensued between two or four people. It was a physical fight," he said.

Mthembu said the delegates had also fought about who was representing the North West at the four-day policy conference held at Gallagher Estate, in Midrand, Johannesburg.

The ANC's national executive had to step in after five provincial executive committee (PEC) members were removed a week before the policy conference.

ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe said national officials declared invalid and unconstitutional the removal of provincial chairman Supra Mahumapelo, treasurer Philly Mapolane, deputy provincial secretary Gordon Kegakilwe, spokesman Kenny Morolong and PEC member Matthew Wolmarans.

The PEC was divided over several issues.

Mthembu said one North West delegate was kicked out of the conference.

"All those involved will be subjected to disciplinary measures," he said.

These would be handled by the ANC national executive.

Mthembu said five people with fraudulent accreditation tags had also been found at the conference.

This was reported to the police and two of the five people were arrested.

"When there is an event as big as this one was, some people try to take a chance... but we were well prepared," said Mthembu.

Apart from these incidents the conference was a "runaway success", he said.