Probe initiated: Deputy Health Minister faces sexual assault accusation by male staffer

Deputy Health Minister Sibongiseni Dhlomo will be investigated after allegations of sexual assault against him, Parliament has announced.

The investigation comes after a male parliamentary staff member accused Dhlomo of harassing him last month.

The incident allegedly took place at Dhlomo’s ministerial home in Cape Town’s southern suburb of Rondebosch on 5 September, according to Sunday Times.

The parliamentary researcher, who reportedly works for an opposition party, alleged that Dhlomo groped him after he was led to his bedroom.

Committee meeting

Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests confirmed on Monday it had received a complaint against Dhlomo.

According to co-chairpersons of the committee, Bekizwe Nkosi and Lydia Moshodi, the complaint was discussed in a meeting last Friday, 20 October.

The matter will be considered when a subcommittee sits next month.

“During this meeting, the committee decided to consider the matter through the establishment of a subcommittee scheduled to sit in November to hear the matter.

ALSO READ: Sexual harassment row ignite controversy at Home Affairs

“Furthermore, the committee is precluded by the code from making running commentary on a complaint. Clause 10.7.6.2 is instructive on when the committee can make findings of the committee public,” the chairpersons said in a statement.

The committee said its investigation would be guided by the relevant rules.

“The work of the committee is guided by the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interest for Assembly and Permanent Council Members especially clause 10.2.2 which sets out a clear procedure the committee must follow in investigating a complaint.”

Furthermore, the complaint would be guided by the principle of promptness, fairness, and consistency.

‘Serious concern’

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has since welcomed the investigation into Dhlomo.

The party urged Parliament to conclude “the in-depth investigation as soon as possible and make their findings public”.

“The accusations of sexual assault against the [deputy] minister are of serious concern and we hope that the truth of the matter – whatever it may be – would be revealed soon,” DA MP Michele Clarke said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya told News24 that President Cyril Ramaphosa would allow due processes to run their course and “await the outcome of the investigations”.

NOW READ: NPA drops sexual assault case against ex-ActionSA leader Abel Tau