South African minister apologises after 'kicking and punching a woman at a nightclub'

A South African minister has apologised after he was accused of kicking and punching a woman at a nightclub.
According to eyewitnesses ,higher education deputy minister Mduduzi Manana trampled on the woman and that 'his foot was on her head' outside the Cubana club in Johannesburg's Fourways district.

He has since admitted he was involved in the 'shameful incident', saying that 'regardless of the extreme provocation, I should have exercised restraint'.

Police spokesman Vuyo Mhaga confirmed to AFP that a case of assault had been opened against Manana.

Manana 'was pulling her by the hair while she was still on the floor,' he added.

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula said the allegations were 'disturbing' and vowed that the case would be fully investigated.

'No one is above the law irrespective of their position in society,' he said.

The ANC expressed 'great disappointment' at the allegations.The main opposition Democratic Alliance party called on Manana to resign.