ANC accused of ‘hijacking’ Zondi’s ‘pain and suffering’
Not everyone has appreciated the party's show of support for Pastor Omotoso's rape accuser.
Cheryl Zondi, who testified in the Port Elizabeth High Court about her alleged rape by Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, 17 October 2018. Picture: ANA
The ANC in Gauteng released an image yesterday intending to show support for Cheryl Zondi, who has been testifying against televangelist Pastor Tim Omotoso, whom she accuses of raping her when she was just 14 years old.
Omotoso is currently standing trial at the Port Elizabeth High Court 63 main charges and 34 alternative counts which include human trafficking, rape, sexual assault, racketeering, and conspiracy in aiding another person to commit sexual assault.
Are we really going to hijack the pain & suffering of the young lady for our selfish & narrow political agendas? #OmotosoTrial #CherylZondi pic.twitter.com/JzDbdPj8Bg
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) October 18, 2018
But popular parody account @AdvBarryRoux has accused the ANC branch of attempting to “hijack the pain and suffering of the young lady” for their “selfish and narrow political agendas”.
While some agreed, others responded accusing the account, known for its support of the EFF, of double standards since the EFF released a statement in support of Cheryl Zondi yesterday.
https://twitter.com/Hlulaedi/status/1052800553565204480
https://twitter.com/KayGee1237/status/1052805728216469504
The Citizen called the ANC Gauteng’s communications department, who confirmed that the image did indeed originate from their branch.
But ANC Gauteng spokesperson Tasneem Motara says the message came from a good place.
“We were just lending our support to the young lady,” she said.
“We support her through this ordeal and salute her for her bravery and courage through this ordeal.”
READ MORE: EFF tears into Omotoso lawyer for ‘barbaric’ cross-examination of Zondi
The ANC Gauteng’s show of support for Zondi follows the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) releasing a statement on Wednesday after women wearing ANCWL regalia were seen earlier this week showing support for Omotoso outside the court.
The ANCWL issued a statement on Wednesday saying that they are “dismayed” about the women.
ANCWL secretary general Meokgo Matuba said: “The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) reiterates the resolution of its 12th national conference that the league supports and stands with victims of violence and sexual abuse.
“Therefore, the ANCWL is dismayed by the women who undermine the resolution of conference and misrepresent the organisation by wearing ANCWL regalia at the Omotoso trial in support of the accused.”
For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.
