The man who vowed at the weekend that Eugene Terre'Blanche's death would be avenged, dramatically lost his cool on prime time TV last night, threatening a political analyst for daring to interrupt him, then belligerently turning on the anchor who tried to defend her.
AWB secretary-general Andre Visagie was appearing with political analyst Lebohang Pheko on e.tv's current affairs show Africa 360, to discuss race relations in the wake of Terre'Blanche's murder.
It emerged last night that Visagie might have more on his mind than just his leader's death, and that the AWB appeared to be involved in a leadership battle of its own, with Visagie pitted against the man who has since succeeded Terre'Blanche, Steyn van Ronge.
During the recording of the show, which is broadcast on e.tv and its satellite 24-hour channel every Sunday, an agitated Visagie took exception to Pheko's interrupting him and lost his temper.
The altercation had Visagie ripping off his microphone and leaving the set, only to reappear shaking his finger at Pheko and declaring: "You won't dare interrupt me."
Anchor Chris Maroleng came to Pheko's defence and tried to restrain Visagie.
But his efforts were not appreciated and an argument ensued, which looked set to deteriorate into a physical altercation, until crew members intervened.
Accompanied by a bodyguard, Visagie stormed off, but not before turning back to an astounded Pheko, saying: "I am not finished with you."
A protesting Maroleng was heard saying: "Mr Visagie, stop threatening this woman now," and: "Why are you threatening this woman?"
Visagie, however, was in no mood to back off and complained that Pheko had referred to white capitalists, yet she did not look poor. Accompanied by his bodyguard, he stormed out.
Pheko, the daughter of former PAC president Motsoko Pheko, told The Mercury that she was not surprised at Visagie's behaviour.
"He has been agitated for some time and his threatening actions tonight were not spurred on by the particular debate, but was more a build-up of rage and anger over a long period of time."
