Cape Town - A DA councillor accused of sexual assault is expected to make his first appearance at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The City of Cape Town councillor was arrested on Friday on a charge of rape.
It is reported that he allegedly made sexual advances towards a woman under the pretence of promising her a job.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said: “A 56-year-old male was arrested on Friday on a charge of rape and is due to make a court appearance in the Wynberg Magistrates court on Monday.”
DA provincial chairperson Jaco Londt said the party had been informed of the alleged incident.
“The facts must be ascertained and the matter dealt with quickly and decisively. The law must take its course without fear or favour. The matter has also been referred to the Federal Legal Committee’s who deals with disciplinary matters,” he said.
GOOD party secretary general and member of parliament Brett Herron said there have been several complaints about the councillor lodged with the city but nothing was done.
“The allegations... are very serious. The community has complained to the speaker of council, Felicity Purchase, about this councillor a lot. They have met with the DA council leadership...about several matters related to this councillor, but he remained protected.
The criminal complaint must still be tested but the community has suffered enough and the DA should do what’s best for the community and not what’s best for the DA,’ said Herron.
City Speaker Felicity Purchase said they have launched an investigation.
“The allegations form part of an investigation being conducted by my office in terms of a possible breach of the code of conduct for councillors. Due process is being followed in this matter, in keeping with our complaints procedures and complying with all stipulations in accordance with the applicable legislation and Code. As regards the criminal charge, the law must be allowed to follow its proper course. No councillor is protected, but due process needs to be followed on any complaint,” said Purchase.
Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women Centre executive director Lucinda Evans called for the DA to suspend the councillor.
“I want to see the DA take a position for once and side with the victim. I need the DA to show us that they are prepared to suspend this councillor.
We do not want this to be another potential Albert Fritz issue where he was fired but the survivors remain victims and are not safe because the matter has not even been dealt with in a court of law.
“We know that women who stand up and speak out are vilified. These politicians have power and positions and fellowship,” she said.
Cape Flats anti-gender-based violence activist, Roegshanda Pascoe said she hopes the victim will be protected.
“We know the councillor and have met him through the harassment a woman leader in Hanover Park had to endure under him. There we could see his disrespect for women. I hope we do not have a situation where the victim will be further victimised,” she said.
Cape Times