AN ANC councillor was one of three suspects recently arrested on charges of rape, kidnapping, pointing of a firearm and assault.

The three suspects briefly appeared at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (September 9), where the matter was postponed to September 15 due to the unavailability of the presiding officer.

The councillor and the other suspects had appeared at the court on Tuesday (September 8) and the matter was remanded to the next day for a bail application.

Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu confirmed the arrest for an incident which was reported to the police on August 29.

Naidu said it was reported that the incident occurred at a premises in New Germany.

“No further information can be provided at this stage as the matter is still under investigation and before the court,” said Naidu.

The ANC in eThekwini confirmed that it has learnt of the allegations levelled against the councillor and their court appearances. 

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The party’s spokesperson Dr Lusanda Zwane said: “Whilst the ANC respects that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, these are serious allegations which we believe we must allow the due legal process to proceed untarnished to ensure justice for all in the aforementioned matter.

“The ANC is not ambiguous on its stance to violence, most especially sexual violence. We always stand firmly on the side of the law and the side of the victim.”

Zwane added that the party “is processing these allegations through its internal disciplinary processes” which are in line with its Constitution.

She confirmed that the councillor will not contest the upcoming local government elections as an ANC candidate.

“This is following internal candidate selection processes with community consultation. The ANC in eThekwini had a smooth candidate selection process in all 112 Wards of eThekwini, and [on Wednesday] undertook a political training for all councillor candidates. All candidates underwent rigorous vetting as per the processes of the ANC.

“Most importantly all candidates that represent the ANC in all wards are products of community engagement and participation. We extend our thanks to all communities for making their voices heard in this process,” said Zwane.

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