GEORGE NEWS - The rape pandemic in South Africa is sadly not foreign to our women and something families have to deal with every day.
George might be classed as safer than many other places in the country, but even here we are not protected from gender based violence and the evils in our city.
On Sunday morning an ANC staff member was arrested in George after he allegedly raped a Nelson Mandela University student.
The 25-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted at a house in Ramaphosa, Thembalethu, that day.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, she was accompanied by a man to the residence where he allegedly later violated her in a bedroom.
The suspect in his 40s was arrested shortly after the incident was reported. He made his first court appearance on Monday 29 May after which he was released on bail on Wednesday.
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the Victor Molosi region condemned the alleged incident.
"We strongly condemn the behaviour of individuals who exploit students as sugar daddies. Most importantly, she needs to be protected from any form of intimidation," the statement read.
The ANCYL said it would be in contact with the alleged victim to provide her with support.
ANC investigates
ANC provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni said the party was probing the matter and they are still gathering all the facts.
"We have noted that indeed a member of the ANC staff compliment who operates from the Southern Cape regional office was arrested and appeared before the George Magistrate’s Court. While we are not fully abreast of the facts around the incident, we do take it in serious light and such allegations are of a serious nature to us.
"The provincial officials are seized with this matter and in due course we will pronounce ourselves on the next steps to be taken.
"We stand vehemently opposed to any form of sexual or physical violence against women and children, should there be an iota of credence to these very grave allegations we will not hesitate to act in protection of the integrity and standing of the ANC.
"We will also invoke the policies of the ANC with regards to members who appear before the courts for serious charges against them," said Mtsweni.
NMU has indicated that they will comment on the incident in due course. Comment will be added to the article once it is received.
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