A conference of the ANC turned ugly for the media on Monday when marshalls manhandled journalists covering the already tense event.

A group of about 20 photographers and writers were chased away from outside the conference hall, and some were pushed around when they failed to clear out fast enough, according to those involved.

"They grabbed me and started dragging me away. They said: 'We are arresting you'," said Reuters photographer Siphiwe Sibeko, whose camera sports a cracked digital display monitor after the incident.

"A colleague asked them to give her my cameras for safekeeping, and they started dragging her off too."

AFP photographer Alexander Joe, who had his media registration badge ripped from his neck, said the group had sought shelter under a canvas canopy at the entrance to the hall.

A tiff ensued when marshalls ordered the journalists to leave, said Joe, who witnessed the attempt to arrest his colleague.

"There were about four marshalls at first, but their numbers quickly grew. One of them threatened to kill a photographer," said Joe.

"We were physically pushed around but fortunately nobody was hurt."

Asked for comment, ANC spokesperson Thabo Masebe said he had not heard about the incident.

The conference has been tension-filled from the start, as supporters of party leader and head of state Thabo Mbeki squared off in public displays of disagreement with those of his challenger, Jacob Zuma.

The media has not painted a pretty picture of the proceedings, with such headlines as "Rebellion" in a special edition on Monday of the weekly Mail and Guardian.

On Sunday, ANC secretary-general reminded quarrelling delegates that the media of the world were watching the proceedings.