Update
GEORGE NEWS - George Councillor Iona Kritzinger has been accused by Chief Law Enforcement officer Siyasanga Vandala of using the k-word.
The incident allegedly happened last Thursday, 2 September, when Kritzinger reported an issue involving vagrants in Dormehlsdrift, where she represents the DA party.
Kritzinger however denies using the k-word.
"I did not curse Vandala; I did not insult Vandala; I did not demean Vandala. I reported an incident demanding his immediate professional attention..." reads an extract from Kritzinger's media statement released earlier this week.
On a request for comment, Vandala said he feels disgusted with the incident. "I'm disappointed in her behaviour as a person and as a councillor. She is a community leader and has taken oath of office." Permanently employed at Bitou Municipality as Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Vandala is temporarily helping out in George in the directorate Protection Services.
Case opened
Southern Cape police spokesperson Capt Malcolm Pojie confirmed that George detectives are probing a case of crimen injuria on allegations that "a certain councillor allegedly used a derogatory racist word on or against the complainant".
Pojie said the docket will be submitted for a decision to the National Prosecuting Authority once the investigation is concluded. "No arrests have been made," said Pojie.
Acting Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz, confirmed that the matter is being investigated under instruction by Speaker Gerrit Pretorius.
Serious
DA chairman of the East Region Tertuis Simmers said the regional executive was made aware of the allegation levelled against Kritzinger, as well as the affidavit and supporting affidavit provided in support of the allegation.
"The supporting affidavit however does not confirm the allegation and the councillor in question also vehemently denies the allegation. We view the matter in a very serious light and trust that the police will conclude its investigation in this regard, to ensure that facts are legally assessed to ensure no sensationalism further on such a serious matter."
In her statement Kritzinger said she had been informed that both Gratz and Director of Community Services Alan Paulse were demanding charges against her. These allegations were denied by municipal spokesperson Chantel Edwards-Klose.
"The Speaker for Council requested that the Municipal Manager institute an investigation into the matter on Friday afternoon. The official in question [Vandala] works within the Protection Services Directorate. No one can demand that a councillor be charged before an investigation is completed.
Council would need to deliberate on the results of the investigation and conclude whether any charges or disciplinary steps be instituted against a councillor. This would not be decided by the municipal manager."
George Councillor and representative at the Garden Route District Council, Iona Kritzinger.
Ample time
Human Rights Commissioner Chris Nissen said the matter was brought to their attention and will be handled through the Western Cape office of the Human Rights Commission. He confirmed that the individual against whom the complaint was laid will be given ample time - twenty days - to react against the allegations.
Nissen said rumours that the commission will rush to George to kick off their investigation, are untrue.
"The commission may make a finding, or the case will be referred to the equality court. The equality court may also be approached by an individual. The commission has a mandate to protect, monitor and promote rights."
Read Vandala's full comment and Kritzinger's media statement here.
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