A 46-year-old senior municipal official handed himself over to police on Monday (February 16) after being accused of rape.

28-year-old female lays charges

A 28-year-old woman has laid charges against the municipal employee. She claims that, while employed as an intern at the municipality, she was picked up from her home by the man one morning. She alleges that, on the way to the office, he stopped and raped her.

Accused briefly appears in court

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan commented that, “Family Violence, Child Protection & Sexual Offences Unit detectives were tracing the suspect after police received a report from a 28-year-old victim of rape. The 46-year-old handed himself over to police. A suspect appeared in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court on Monday (February 16) and was remanded into custody. He will appear back in court next Monday, answering to a charge of rape.”

Alfred Duma Local Municipality has taken a decision to suspend the manager of Administration and Records Management after the rape accusation against him.

See the statement from the municipality below:

Official press release from Alfred Duma Local Municipality

The Alfred Duma Local Municipality has taken note of the grave allegations against the Manager: Administration and Records Management, who is accused of sexually assaulting a former contract employee of the municipality, with the utmost concern.

The Municipality takes these accusations very seriously and vehemently opposes sexual harassment, gender-based violence (GBV), and abuse of power in any form. Such behaviour will not be accepted and has no place in the organization or society.

It is important to note that the Municipality only became aware of the allegations through social media platforms, as the victim had not reported the incident to the municipality.

In keeping with our dedication to moral leadership and responsibility, the Municipal Manager has taken a firm stance by serving the implicated official with a notice of intention to suspend on February 17, 2026, in compliance with the municipal disciplinary process.

The Alfred Duma Local Municipality reiterates its steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment and protection. The Municipality is still committed to promoting inclusive, safe, and courteous work environments where all trainees and employees receive equitable and dignified treatment.

Issued by: Office of the Municipal Manager

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