Opposition parties in the Theewaterskloof Municipality are calling for the immediate suspension of a DA councillor who has been charged with sexual harassment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On 17 March, ANC activists protested in front of the Villiersdorp Police Station, where the case was laid, and the Caledon Magistrates\u2019 Court before moving on to the municipal offices in Caledon. They called for the DA councillor to be arrested and suspended from his position. Captain Ryan Arends, acting commander of the Villiersdorp Police Station, confirmed a charge of sexual harassment had been laid on Monday 14 March. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe case docket as been transferred to Caledon police as the alleged incident reportedly occurred in their area of jurisdiction,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cameron Dugmore, ANC leader in the Western Cape, said: \u201cWe are outraged by the allegations. Councillors are elected to represent communities and defend and advance the interests of the people. What this DA councillor is alleged to have done is a betrayal of trust and an extreme example of gender-based violence. We salute the victim for having the courage to come forward, and we urge the police to provide her with all the support she needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also called on provincial DA leaders to suspend the alleged perpetrator and to launch an internal investigation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dugmore added that the ANC Chief Whip of the council had been asked to write to the Speaker of TWK Municipality to investigate the allegations in terms of the municipality\u2019s Code of Conduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TWK Deputy Mayor and Good councillor John Michels added his voice to this: \u201cThe DA has a duty to suspend any councillor pending the outcome of the criminal case for which they stand accused, as it did with Albert Fritz, and just last week with DA Msunduzi councillor Lucky Naicker, who also stands accused of sexual misconduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith each week it appears more and more public reps are being exposed for their sexual behaviour and there must be decisive consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Isaac Sileku, Theewaterskloof DA political head, said: \u201cPublic representatives should set a high standard of conduct at all times and the allegations made are viewed in a serious light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are aware that a case has been opened with the police and will give full support to the investigation. The Federal Complaint Tagging Committee is responsible for the receipt and consideration of all members\u2019 complaints relating to allegations of misconduct. The internal process has already started with a referral to the tagging committee.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Opposition parties in the Theewaterskloof Municipality are calling for the immediate suspension of a DA councillor who has been charged with sexual 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