EFF counsellor sought for colleague's rape

EFF counsellor sought for colleague's rape.
EFF counsellor sought for colleague's rape.
Image: FILE PHOTO

An EFF councillor in Limpopo has been accused of raping a fellow party member.

The councillor at Lepelle-Nkumpi municipality in Lebowakgomo is being sought in connection with the alleged rape incident which happened two years ago.

The victim, who is also a councillor in the municipality, reported the matter at the weekend after she was advised to do so by the leadership of the party.

According to EFF acting provincial chairperson Advocate Rendani Munyai, the victim was afraid to open a case fearing she would bring the party into disrepute. "But we have since advised the woman to open a case with the police, which she did," said Munyai.

"We are also going to give the woman all the support she needs. We commend her for taking a bold step to break the silence about the matter. As a party, we have been advocating against abuse of women and children."

Munyai said they have since issued a letter of intention to suspend the alleged perpetrator, pending his presentations on why he should not be suspended.

"We hope the action would serve as a warning to all would-be abusers of women to refrain from doing so. We will suspend him until the matter is proven beyond reasonable doubt through the court."

The victim said she would only provide details about the alleged rape after the arrest of the culprit as she felt "unsafe".

"For now the matter is in the hands of police and I am not at liberty to say anything until the man has been arrested."

Police spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said the incident happened at a lodge near Mokopane in 2016. "The case is under investigation by the Mokopane police after a case was opened at the weekend."

Ngoepe said after the case was opened, the man was called and had been promising to hand himself over but had not done so. "The suspect has been playing hide and seek but we are busy following him with an intention to arrest him."

Spokesperson for the municipality Khali Maphoso said he was unaware about the matter.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.