The DA says that Bergrivier mayor Ray van Rooy “vehemently denies any wrongdoing” and was committed to giving his full cooperation to the Saps investigation after he was taken in for questioning.
This comes after reports of a police raid at his house at Piketberg where authorities found drugs and ammunition.
DA communications manager Matthew Sims said: “The DA can confirm that the mayor has been released from custody last night (Wednesday). The DA respects the police’s investigation.
We are also aware of misleading facts spreading on social media.”
Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie would only say a substantial quantity of drugs and one round of ammunition were found on the premises of a residence in Piketberg. He said no one has been charged in connection with the discovery. “Investigation continues,” Pojie said.
Sims said: “The mayor vehemently denies any wrongdoing and upholds his commitment to giving his full cooperation to the investigation.
“We respect the rights of our member moving forward.”
Contacted by the Cape Times, Van Rooy confirmed that he was released and was consulting his lawyer.
“I am not going to make any comment at this stage,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ANC said it noted with concern the discovery of a substantial quantity of cocaine and illegal ammunition at the residence of Van Rooy. “This shocking development further exposes the DA’s complicity in enabling criminal activities that undermine the safety and well-being of our communities,” national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
Bhengu-Motsiri said they welcomed the swift action by SAPS in conducting an intelligence-driven operation that led to the seizure.
“We call on law enforcement agencies to intensify their investigations, ensure that those implicated are held accountable, and continue rooting out the criminal networks threatening the stability of our society.”
Bhengu-Motsiri said it was no coincidence that criminal activities were often concentrated in marginalized, predominantly black communities, where the DA’s governance has consistently failed to address social and economic inequalities.
The GOOD Party also expressed shock at learning through the media that Van Rooy has been taken in for questioning by police.
Evert Manuel, the party’s council at Bergrivier Municipality, said they would be writing to the Speaker's office to request an urgent special council sitting, where they will bring a motion of no confidence against Van Rooy.
“We urge the DA majority in council not to protect their mayor.
As GOOD we will be monitoring the developments of this case closely. No one is above the law,” Manuel said.
Cape Times