SEDIBENG.- A senior ANC Sedibeng official, who is also an office bearer of the party’s Veterans League, has been arrested by the Northam Police in Rustenburg.

The official, known to Sedibeng Ster, allegedly assaulted his wife while they were attending the ANC January 8 (held on Saturday, January 10) celebrations in Moruleng outside Rustenburg in North West.

Reports suggest the attack was so severe it was described as a “hospital case.”

The scuffle allegedly took place in front of other party members, but it is said that many of them stood by and watched without trying to help. When another senior Sedibeng ANC Sedibeng member allegedly tried to intervene, insults were apparently hurled at him by the suspect.

Sedibeng Ster was told, “When the victim returned to Gauteng and visited her family, the beating was so severe that her own family barely recognised her. They had to ask who she was before they could ask what had happened. Her brother, concerned for her safety, took her to the police to open a case.”

The suspect is said to have since appeared in court and was denied bail.

ANC Sedibeng Women’s League (ANCWL) Secretary, Disebo Tlebere, said that the Women’s League has learned with shock, disgust, and absolute dismay of the allegations that the veteran has assaulted his wife, and has now been arrested.

“There can be no justification, no excuse, and no explanation that can ever defend violence against women. Domestic violence is not ‘a family matter.’ It is a crime. It is cowardice. It is brutality. The ANCWL reaffirms its uncompromising and non-negotiable stance against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), regardless of who commits it, regardless of their rank, regardless of their title, and regardless of whether they wear an ANC T-shirt or carry any position in our movement,” said Tlebere.

She added that no political identity can sanitise abuse, no struggle credentials can excuse violence, and no organisational role can protect perpetrators from accountability.

Tlebere reaffirmed that the ANCWL support the work of law enforcement agencies and the courts to ensure that justice is served, without interference, intimidation, or political shielding. She also called on ANC structures, including the ANC Veterans League, to treat this matter seriously and ensure that organisational processes do not become a cover up for criminal conduct.

“We stand firmly with the victim and with every woman who has ever been made to feel powerless in her own home. We encourage women who are experiencing abuse to report it and seek support. Silence protects perpetrators, not victims. The ANCWL will continue to lead the fight against GBV with consistency and courage, because women’s lives matter more than reputations,” Tlebere concluded.

Sedibeng Ster was also told that the real test begins now as the ANC rules determine that any member charged with a serious crime is supposed to “step aside” from their duties.

“These rules are applied only when convenient. Today, the ANC is silent again. Their silence shows weak leadership, inconsistency, and a lack of real concern for protecting women. GBV is not a slogan. It is not a seasonal campaign. Either the ANC stands with victims, or it stands with abusers,” Sedibeng Ster was told.

Upon enquiry on the matter ANC Sedibeng Regional Secretary Jason Mkhwane told Sedibeng Ster the party became aware of the incident through social media. He confirmed they are waiting for a formal report from the Veterans League before making an official statement.

(Name of the suspect withheld pending an enquiry to the police)