IFP councillor arrested for alleged rape of now pregnant 14-year-old schoolgirl

An Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) PR councillor in KwaDukuza has been arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Ntshawini.

KwaDukuza police spokesperson, Priya Nunkumar, said the councillor was arrested on Sunday (December 12) and would appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court soon.

“The matter is being investigated by the iLembe District FCS Unit,” said Nunkumar.

KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, expressed her outrage at the incident.

She said it was alleged the councillor promised to pay a dowry to the family and build them a house.

“It is alleged that after the councillor slept with the child, he would offer her money, ranging from R100 upwards. According to reports, the girl would always be called to the councillor’s bedroom when she came over to play with his children,” Khoza said.

Khoza urged communities never to treat sexual abuse as normal.

“It is hurtful to see abusers and rapists exploit vulnerable families, promising them money to facilitate their abuse of young victims. Grooming a child as a sex slave can never be tolerated.”

The MEC sent a team of social workers to provide counselling for the family.

IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the party had suspended the man.

“The KZN provincial executive committee (PEC) and political oversight committee (POC) is investigating the allegations and establishing all the facts. They will report back to the national executive committee on Monday, December 20,” said Hlengwa.

He said the IFP took the allegations very seriously and was committed to giving the matter the urgent and immediate attention it deserves.

Should these allegations prove to be true, he will face the highest possible sanction from the party and be banned from holding office in any party structures for life.

“IFP would like to categorically state that the party does not condone – and will not tolerate any form of abuse, exploitation or violence against women, children, and other vulnerable people. This, particularly from public representatives that have been appointed to serve in the best interests of their communities.”