Chaos erupts at EFF conference, leaving a trail of blood

Chaos and violence erupted at an EFF Northern Cape conference at the weekend leaving a trail of blood, according to a media report.

Members armed with machetes, pangas and bricks converged at the Savoy Hotel in Kimberley on Sunday, where the provincial leadership was to be elected, the Star newspaper reported.

There was reportedly a jostling for top posts between incumbent provincial leader Aubrey Baartman and a conference delegate, Ronald Februarie.

The front doors of the hotel were broken open and bricks flew between the different Economic Freedom Fighters factions, with people running and hiding behind cars.

Februarie was seen running out of the building with blood pouring out of his mouth and down his arm.

Inside the venue, furniture and doors were smashed, blood was smeared on the passage floor and EFF members hurled insults at each other before police arrived.

One reporter was forced to take cover and call the police for help after delegates tried to take his camera.

EFF co-ordinator Mmabatho Mokause was hit on the head with a chair.

Northern Cape police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidoo was unable to immediately confirm Sunday's incident.

But she told Sapa that a case of assault was opened Saturday.

"One EFF member alleged that another member assaulted him and a case was opened," she said, referring to Saturday's incident.