A fistfight broke out in South Africa’s parliament as MPs began brawling to stop the country’s president from speaking.
People watched politicians throw punches at guards in the parliament chamber as the raucous scenes were broadcast on national television on Thursday afternoon.
Members of the far-left opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, interrupted South African president Jacob Zuma calling him a “scoundrel” and “rotten to the core” in reference to corruption allegations.
The politicians, dressed in red, began fighting with security guards who tried to force them to leave the chamber.
More than 400 extra members of the military had been drafted in to increase security during his speech.
Police used stun grenades to disperse the crowds outside parliament, in Cape Town, and military forces patrolled to guard against anti-Zuma protesters.
After they were ejected from the chamber, President Zuma laughed and began his annual State of the Nation address.
The leader, who took office in 2009, has faced calls to resign amid allegations of corruption and cronyism as well as being criticised for his handling of the country’s economy.
