African National Congress (ANC) Waterberg Regional Secretary Noko (Tolly) Mashamaite was granted bail of R1 000 in the Mokopane Magistrates Court yesterday following his arrest in a case of rape and bribery earlier this week.
Mashamaite was due to appear again on 7 November when he would be expected to plea, said Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe.
The accused had been arrested on Tuesday evening in connection with a matter instituted by a 33-year-old complainant in April this year, Ngoepe told Polokwane Observer on Wednesday. According to Ngoepe the matter was the result of an alleged incident at a Mokopane hotel.
On Wednesday afternoon when approached for comment, ANC Limpopo spokesperson Aluwani Netsianda indicated it was premature for them to do so as they awaited full facts around the issue to provide informed comment. Late yesterday afternoon ANC Provincial Secretary Nocks Seabi said in a statement the organisation has noted Mashamaite’s arrest on allegations of rape and that the ANC in the province remained resolute in the fight against any form of women abuse, including sexual abuse and rape.
“The ANC once more re-affirms its confidence in our judicial system and encourages speedy resolution on the matter in the interest of justice.
“Whilst the ANC holds the principle of innocence until proven otherwise, the PEC will receive a report from the (Regional Executive Committee) REC on the way forward in line with the ANC Conference resolution,” he concluded.
Story: Yolande Nel
