An ANC staff member in the Western Cape was arrested after a Nelson Mandela University student accused him of rape. The man, who cannot be named before he has pleaded, has since been released on R500 bail.

The 25-year-old victim claims the accused, who is in his 40s, sexually assaulted her at a house in Ramaphosa, Thembalethu in George on Sunday, May 28. He was arrested on the same day.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, the complainant was accompanied by the accused to the residence, where he allegedly later violated her in a bedroom.

After his first appearance in the George Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 29 the accused was released on R500 bail the following Wednesday.  The state did not oppose the bail application.

“His bail conditions include having no direct or indirect contact with the complainant, attending every court case until the matter is finalised, and not to be charged with any other criminal offence while the case is pending,” says spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority Eric Ntabazalila

He says the court was satisfied that it was in the interest of justice for the accused to be released on bail. Further, that this was only a bail application and the accused is still presumed innocent.

The accused, represented by Winston Jansen from Jansen and Samson Attorneys, will make his next court appearance on 25 July.

ANCYL condemns incident

The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the Victor Molosi region condemned the alleged incident.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of individuals who exploit students as sugar daddies. Most importantly, she needs to be protected from any form of intimidation,” a statement reads.

The ANCYL says it will be in contact with the alleged victim to provide her with support.

ANC Southern Cape investigates

ANC provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni says the party was probing the matter and they are still gathering all the facts.

“We have noted that indeed a member of the ANC staff compliment who operates from the Southern Cape regional office was arrested and appeared before the George Magistrate’s Court. While we are not fully abreast of the facts around the incident, we do regard it in a serious light and such allegations are of a serious nature to us.”

He says the provincial officials are seized with the matter and will announce in due course the next steps to be taken.

“We stand vehemently opposed to any form of sexual or physical violence against women and children. Should there be an iota of credence to these very grave allegations we will not hesitate to act in protection of the integrity and standing of the ANC. We will also invoke the policies of the ANC with regard to members who appear before the courts for serious charges against them,” says Mtsweni.