Police in the Free State are investigating a case of assault against African Congress for Transformation (ACT) leader and former African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Ace Magashule after he allegedly beat up a man who refused to accept a party T-shirt. 

Morakabi Moletsane opened a case after he was allegedly assaulted in Meloding, Virginia, in the Free State, on Saturday evening. 

The 44-year-old was hospitalised after the incident, which he said took place when he refused to accept an ACT T-shirt. 

However, Magashule denied he was present during the "commotion". 

Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said a case of common assault was registered against a "well-known politician".

"We can confirm that, on 20 January 2024, at about 19:30, the well-known politician and his entourage were distributing T-shirts of their organisation in Thabiso Makoko Street, next to the well-known ChisaNyama business premises, when one of the shirts landed on him," Thakeng said. 

He said the 44-year-old victim was alleged to have thrown the T-shirt back, resulting in the scuffle.

"Then, he alighted the vehicle, accompanied by his bodyguards, to allegedly assault the complainant. He sustained injuries to his face," Thakeng said. 

Magashule told News24 the charges against him were political and instigated by the ANC in the area. 

"We have all the footage. I was never even there on that spot," he said. 

Magashule insisted he was not involved.

"How will I hit anybody? I campaign around the country and there's no incidents. It is clear, it is the ANC.," he added.

On Monday, the ACT's acting spokesperson, Tankele Msinto, who was involved in the scuffle, said they would be opening a case against the alleged victim.

The party alleged that he assaulted ACT members. 

"I want to confirm that we are in the process of opening a case, as we speak," Msinto said. 

"Fortunately, we were in a place that had CCTV footage."

On Saturday, the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in Lejweleputswa said the incident justified the decision by the ANC to expel Magashule from the party. 

Magashule then formed ACT after he was booted from the governing party. 

"We further call on law enforcement to take action against the perpetrators who have appeared on the video footage, including Ace, and to further investigate the guns which were displayed at the scene, as it is our view that everything associated with Ace is unlawful.

"We further want to emphasise to Magashule and his stooges that we are not scared of him and his stooges, and that whatever he did to the community of Ward 4 will not go unaccounted for... he must pray that we don't meet," said ANCYL regional chairperson Mokgethi Setlhalefo.