WATCH: Scuffle breaks out at Lekota’s Cope press conference

Earlier this week, Cope deputy president Willy Madisha announced the suspension of the party president, with spokesperson Denis Bloem saying Lekota had been placed on precautionary suspension, not only for sowing divisions but also for alleged corruption and promoting the removal of elected leaders.

READ: Cope places party president Mosiuoa Lekota on suspension

Lekota admitted to challenges in the party during his tenure, referring specifically to the unfilled vacancies in the party's secretariat following the resignation of former deputy general secretary Rob Hutchinson, and the death of general secretary Papi Kganare. 

He also announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had to take some time off while receiving treatment, but is adamant he remains fit to lead the party.

“I’m not frail as you can see, I am quite alive. I am ready to do anything that I can be asked to do,” Lekota said.

Meanwhile, one of the men who interrupted the briefing said Lekota had no authority to convene a press briefing until he had undergone all disciplinary processes related to his suspension.

Police had to be called to the scene.

WARNING: The video below contains scenes of violence