By Philiswa Mbanjwa
THE ANC has expressed outrage towards two of its councillors who have been accused of rape and attempted rape, describing their actions as despicable and barbaric.
The two councillors’ alleged acts are currently in the news, and the ANC has released a statement saying that their behaviour is not ANC-like.
“The ANC will follow the two cases very close to also come to a determination on how to ensure there are consequences for any proven wrongdoing that is deemed to be unANC in deed and spirit.” Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said in a statement.
A 43-year-old ANC ward councillor in the North West was taken into custody on suspicion of sexually assaulting minors. The accused was presented before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he requested a one-week extension to secure legal representation.
He is currently facing 11 preliminary charges, including two counts of statutory rape, three counts of non-consensual sexual activity with a minor, one count of producing pornographic material, four counts of rape, and one count of sexual intimidation. The case has been adjourned until 17 May.
In another case, a 39-year-old ANC ward councillor in Kriel in Mpumalanga was nabbed for allegedly assaulting and attempting to rape a 12-year-old girl.
Motsiri emphasised the importance of punishing those who commit atrocities and murders against women and children.
“As a country, we cannot allow thugs who have no respect for human dignity and life to continue abusing, raping and exploiting children and women in the belief that they will get away with it,” Motsiri said.
In addition, Motsiri stated: “We urge our criminal justice system to ensure that those found guilty of these barbaric crimes are given the harshest possible punishment. Our courts have a responsibility to send a clear message to all abusers that their actions will not be tolerated.”
Meanwhile, Action Society, a civil rights group, has urged the ANC to step up its efforts: “The ANC should do much more than just suspend someone from ‘taking part in the life of the movement’ when caught red-handed sexually abusing minors and abusing their position for sexual favours.
“If the ANC does not immediately fire the North West councillor, they are, in fact, funding and condoning the sexual abuse of minors,” said Tshepi Mmekwa, Action Centre coordinator at Action Society.