POLOKWANE – Criminal charges were today laid against the Limpopo Freedom Front Plus (FF+) Leader and Member of Provincial Legislature, Marcelle Maritz, for using the k-word. The charges were laid by the DA’s Beyers Smit, accompanied by the DA Limpopo Provincial Chairperson, Geoffrey Tshibvumo.
Maritz was also reported to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) as well as the Limpopo Legislature’s Ethics Committee for investigation.
Maritz made headlines on Wednesday after a video surfaced of her referring to the APK Church as the “Church without k****rs” and has since denied the allegations against her.
Read more: [LISTEN] Claims over K-word: Lim FF+ Leader in hot water
In a statement released, the party said they became aware of the DA’s complaint on Wednesday and said the video was taken five years ago while Maritz was still a DA councillor.
However, Smit says the time stamp on the video that was shared to the DA by a whistle-blower, clearly shows that the video was taken in 2017, whilst Maritz was the Limpopo FF+ Leader and a PR Councillor in the Mogalakwena Municipality.
“The whistle-blowers confirmed that this is when the video was taken and that the allegations by Maritz are not true. The witnesses in the video will also be submitting an affidavit in this regard with the provision that their identities be protected. We will hand the affidavit over to police and the SAHRC,” his statement reads.
Meanwhile, the ANC in Limpopo says they are shocked by the footage. Jerry Maseko, Whip on research and Acting Chief Whip, says: “Maritz was quick to reveal her true identity and this will make it easier for the ANC Caucus to know how to deal with her, in the House.”
Maseko added that the matter has been reported to the Ethics Committee and should be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
When asked for comment on the allegations, Maritz told Review that she has been advised by her lawyers not to speak on the matter.
