WARD 64 councillor, Gavin Hegter is facing assault allegations following an incident in which he reportedly had an argument with a man, who was part of a group hosting a party at a State-owned house in Yellowwood Park in November last year.

The alleged incident has prompted the ANC in eThekwini Region to call for Hegter’s immediate suspension pending further investigation.

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ANC calls for Hegter’s immediate suspension

In a statement released by the ANC, the party condemned the alleged incident and called on the Speaker of eThekwini Municipality, Thabani Nyawose, to suspend Hegter of his duties as the ward councillor pending the outcome of his court case.

ANC regional spokesperson Mlondi Mkhize said in a statement, “It is deeply concerning that while government is working tirelessly to combat violent crime, a ward councillor is now accused of perpetrating such an act. As a public representative, he was expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and serve his community with integrity.”

Responding to the allegations, DA chairperson Dean Macpherson said the party will follow the investigation process.

“He has not been arrested or charged. There is also no evidence at this time to substantiate the allegations and we will wait and see what is presented to the court before considering what, if any, action should be taken,” said Macpherson.

He said the party will not interfere with the investigation by the police.

“South Africa is a country governed by the rule of law and thus the presumption of innocence until proven guilty is a key tenet of our Constitution,” he added.

According to an affidavit submitted to the DA by Hegter, he said on the night of November 15 a group of people were having a party at 7 Hoopoe Lane in Yellowwood Park.

In the affidavit, Hegter said he called a member of the Crime Prevention unit from the Montclair Police Station to investigate what was happening at the building.

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“At 19:56 I sent Colonel Moodley from Montclair Police Crime Prevention a WhatsApp message and requested that his members investigate.  At approximately 20:30 two police vehicles attended and the noise stopped. At approximately 21:00 the party started up again in the State-owned house. I messaged Colonel Moodley [again] at 21:12 and advised him of this,” the affidavit read.

According to the affidavit, upon noticing that the noise was continuing non-stop, Hegter went across the road to talk with the security guard manning the building where the party was taking place.

“When I got to the locked gate I noticed a man, unknown to me, urinating in the garden. I could hear a number of voices inside the house. I called to him and asked where the security was. This person then approached the gate and asked me what I wanted. I advised that I wanted to see the security.

“The security guard, who I know as  Mr Dlamini then came out of the house and approached the gate. He was clearly intoxicated and could barely stand. He was not in uniform. I asked him what was going on and who all the people were. The unknown man then became abusive and started swearing at me. He said that he was Mr. Dlamini’s brother and he can visit if he wanted to,” read the affidavit.

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In the affidavit, Hegter alleged that the man continued being verbally abusive.

“I then informed both men that I would be addressing this with the Minister of Public Works. Mr. Dlamini then turned and staggered back towards the house. The unknown man then stated that if I want to make trouble they can also make trouble for me. My response was that he can do what he wants and that I was not prepared to argue and would address it with the minister.

“The party continued and police did not return to attend,” said Hegter in an affidavit.

According to police sources, Hegter is expected to appear in court on February 20.

Attempts to get comment from the KZN police desk were unsuccessful at the time of publishing.

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