POLOKWANE – The ANC in the Peter Mokaba Region says it intends to decline the membership of a man accused of statutory rape should he be found guilty.

The man, whose identity has been withheld to protect the 15-year-old victim, appeared before the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Monday (October 27) on charges of raping his stepdaughter.

He is believed to have recently rejoined the ANC from the EFF, and is based in Seshego as part of the party’s membership recruitment programme.

ANC regional spokesperson Adolph Rapetswa confirmed to the Polokwane Observer that the accused is still within a six-month probation period, which means he has not yet attained full membership status.

“We are distancing ourselves from his alleged actions,” said Rapetswa. “The regional leadership will review his membership after the probation period, and if he is found guilty, we will refuse his permanent membership.”

Rapetswa, who also serves as the chief whip in the Polokwane Municipal Council, said the victim’s family is receiving psychological support.

The Seshego police spokesperson, Sergeant Ali Maluleke, confirmed that a detailed statement on the arrest and court appearance will be issued on Wednesday.

The Polokwane Observer has withheld the names of both the accused and the victim in accordance with the Press Code, which prohibits the identification of minor victims of sexual offences.