ANC's Andile Lungisa sentenced to 2 years in jail for 'water jug' attack on DA councillor

Nelson Mandela Bay ANC councillor Andile Lungisa has been sentenced to two years’ direct imprisonment for the attack on DA councillor Rano Kayser during a heated council meeting in October 2016.

Magistrate Morne Cannon said it was clear Lungisa showed no remorse for his actions‚ HeraldLIVE reported.

Lungisa was found guilty in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Cannon said he proved to be a poor witness who changed his version of events as the trial proceeded.

Lungisa was found to have unlawfully and intentionally hit Kayser over the head with a glass water jug without provocation.

The sentence handed down was three years with one year suspended‚ implying an effective two years direct jail term.

“There is a direct difference between true remorse and regret‚” said Cannon.

Lungisa’s application for leave to appeal against both his conviction and sentence were dismissed by Cannon.

He was taken into custody following his sentencing early on Wednesday afternoon.

His co-accused‚ Gamalihleli Maqula‚ was acquitted on all charges in March when the court found that there was not enough evidence against him for conviction.

Speaking after Lungisa's sentencing‚ Kayser said he believed justice had been served.

“I am convinced that we have an independent judiciary.

“The outcome has proven that I was correct to put my trust in the judiciary and that justice has been served.”

- Additional reporting by Siyamtanda Capa