A North West mayor appeared in the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate's Court on Thursday for allegedly stabbing a resident during a budget meeting, police said.

Mamusa Municipality mayor Kenneth Tsitelo, who was arrested on Wednesday, was released and warned to appear again on 2 June, said spokesperson Adele Myburgh.

"The stabbing occurred at a budget meeting in Amalia Primary School while residents were proceeding out of the venue which was too small to accommodate the over 200 residents who attended," said Myburgh.

They decided to move out of the classroom and hold the meeting outside but there were some protests.

"The man was stabbed in his right shoulder blade while moving out of the classroom, allegedly by the mayor." said Myburgh.

The man was taken to hospital for medical treatment and was discharged.

Myburgh said Tsitelo was detained at Pudinge police station.

The motive behind the incident is still unknown.

"We don't know the reason behind the stabbing as yet, we are investigating the matter," she said.

However, she said, it seemed the meeting was tense as people were heard shouting and wanted to attack each other when police arrived at the scene.

Sapa

The President's men I scratch your back and you scratch mine — is that the case under President Zuma's Cabinet?

Who makes the grade? We take a look at ministers in ten of the key Cabinet portfolios. Are they fit for the job?

Quirky & Bizarre Do you need a laugh? Then check out our offbeat stories from around the world...