Ward councillor in court for allegedly raping a minor
Award councillor in the Greater Letaba Municipality council on Monday appeared in the Bolobedu magistrate court on a charge of rape.
The 58-year-old, who is a member of the ANC was remanded in police custody pending his bail hearing on October 14.
The councillor’s court appearance followed his arrest on Saturday night for allegedly raping a 14 year-old girl.
The councillor allegedly raped the victim after offering her a lift at Mokwakwaila at around 12:00. “
The suspect then drove into the bushes next to Rampepe village where he allegedly raped the child. He thereafter reportedly took her home, gave her money and a cellphone and told her not to tell anyone. The child started crying when questioned by her mother about the cellphone. She then told her what had happened. The matter was reported to the police and the councillor was arrested last night,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba strongly condemned the incident and commended the police for acting swiftly in arresting the suspect.
“As the country continues to fight against the scourge of Gender Based Violence, it is disturbing that even some leaders in society, who are supposed to support the police in this fight, are also arrested for rape,” said General Ledwaba.
Also read: PMC warns of pension scam
Social Development MEC, Nkakareng Rakgoale has commended the victim’s parents forbreaking the silence despite the suspect’s attempt to buy her silence by giving her money and a cell phone.
“It is very sad to see a leader in society accused of raping a minor. As the department that has been tasked with the responsibility of caring for vulnerable people of our society we are concerned to see men prying on young girls and destroying their bright future,” said Rakgoale.
She said that a team of social workers has been dispatched to the family to start providing psychosocial support to the victim and other affected parties.
“We are once again calling for the courts not to grant bail to perpetrators of Gender Based Violence to demonstrate that government is determined in its fight against the attacks of women and children,” she added. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance Women’s Network (DAWN) is saddened by the alleged rape of a minor by a community leader.
“ As DAWN we are both angered and saddened that a political office bearer can involve himself in such a despicable act against a vulnerable child,” said DAWN provincial chairperson, Desiree van der Walt.
Also read: Police tips on the prevention of stock theft
She said Dawn will be closely monitoring the case because for the most part tragic stories of the abuse of women and children living in remote rural areas remain untold. The ANC in Norman Mashabane Region strongly condemns the alleged rape as barbaric and inhumane.
“This case happens at a time where the organisation is fighting this demon of GBV against women and children . As public representative, a councillor should be an embodiment of the values that inspire hope amongst the people,” said ANC regional spokesperson, Sonia Ngobeni.
She said the ANC in the region has instructed the branch which the suspect belongs to, to submit a report regarding the allegations.
“However we are also following the proceedings of the courts. We are going to process the matter in line the 54th Nasrec Conference and recent NEC decision which state that members facing criminal charges must step aside from their official responsibilities,” said Ngobeni.
