State to oppose bail of ANC councillor accused of statutory rape

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will oppose the bail application of an African National Congress (ANC) ward councillor from the North West, who was arrested for allegedly raping young boys.

Statutory rape

The councillor from Matlosana Local Municipality, whose identity cannot be disclosed until he pleads, appeared in the Orkney Magistrates Court on Tuesday. He was arrested after a video of him engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor went viral on social media.

The 43-year-old man faces 11 provisional charges, including two for statutory rape, three for the violation of a child, one for manufacturing pornographic material, four for rape and one for sexual intimidation.

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During his court appearance, the case was postponed to 17 May for him to secure legal representation. He will remain in police custody until his next court appearance.

Bail

NPA regional spokesperson Henry Mamothame confirmed that the state will oppose bail, adding that more charges could be added against the accused.

“His court appearance emanates from a report by the police indicating that the Klerksdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, was investigating a case of crimen injuria and two separate counts of statutory rape, after they were reported at Kanana Police Station, respectively.

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“In one of the cases, the suspect allegedly shared a nude picture of his private parts with the complainant. In the second and separate case, but involving the same suspect, two counts of statutory rape were laid on Saturday 6 May, by the parents of two boys aged 15 and 17,” said Mamothame in a statement.

Investigations continuing

Mamothame said investigations were still underway to gather more evidence against the suspect.

He urged the public to refrain from sharing sexual content of any form as it may compromise the victims and their families, as well as the investigations into the case.

Suspension

Meanwhile, the ANC in the North West suspended the councillor with immediate effect after his arrest.

 ANC North West spokesperson Tumelo Maruping told The Citizen on Monday that the party was shocked by the actions of its public representative.

“We have also received a number of complaints against the said public representative from various women. We are also aware that one of his victims has opened a case against him.

“Rising from this despicable behaviour, the ANC has suspended the membership with immediate effect and therefore he will not be allowed to participate in the movement. This suspension will hold until the outcomes of the disciplinary process,” Maruping said.

Additional reporting by Faizel Patel

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