The ANC Interim Provincial Committee's (IPC) spokesperson, Kenny Morolong, says the councillor accused of statutory rape of a minor in the Moretele Local Municipality, which includes Mathibestad, has been suspended from the party. He now forms part of five former councillors, including former Potchefstroom-based JB Marks Municipality's Mayor Kgotso Khumalo, affected by the policy since it was put in place in April 2021. 

IPC's Morolong tells OFM News that whilst the party believes in the legal principle of the presumption of innocence, the charges the councillor faces are grave and have the potential to harm the integrity of the ANC.

"The ANC has always asserted that the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence and the abuse of children must be intensified and must become a societal preoccupation. The IPWC is of the view that the temporary suspension of [the councillor] will be in the best interest of the organisation. [The councillor] has further been directed to step aside from all the activities of the organisation until such time that his name is cleared by the courts of law," Morolong adds.

[The councillor] recently appeared at the Mogwase Magistrate's Court on charges of statutory rape. The matter was postponed to the 17th of August 2021 for further investigations and his temporary suspension will be in effect pending the finalisation of his court matter.

He is expected to update the organisation every month on the progress of his criminal case and furthermore, we urge him to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their investigations," Morolong further adds.

OFM News previously reported that three councillors in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and two from the Ngaka Modiri Moleme District were asked to step aside in April.

Another ANC councillor in Matlosana was asked to step aside following charges of statutory rape of a minor. 

OFM News