GEORGE NEWS - An ANC staff member who was recently arrested on a charge of rape was released on bail of R500 in the George Magistrate's Court.
His bail conditions include having no direct or indirect contact with the complainant, attending every court case until the matter is finalised, and not to be charged with any other criminal offence while the case is pending.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority Eric Ntabazalila said the court was satisfied and said that it was in the interest of justice for the accused to be released on bail. Further, that this was only a bail application and the accused is still presumed innocent.
The state did not oppose the bail application.
The complainant (25), a Nelson Mandela University student, was allegedly sexually assaulted at a house in Ramaphosa, Thembalethu on Sunday 28 May. The accused was arrested on the same day.
He made his first court appearance the following Monday and it was postponed until Wednesday 31 May when he was released on bail.
The accused, represented by Winston Jansen from Jansen and Samson Attorneys, will make his next court appearance on 25 July.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, the complainant was accompanied by the man to the residence where he allegedly later violated her in a bedroom.
The accused (in his 40s) was arrested shortly after the incident was reported.
ANCYL condemns incident
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 Southern Cape 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 regard it in a serious light and such allegations are of a serious nature to us."
He said the provincial officials are seized with the matter and will announce in due course 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 regard to members who appear before the courts for serious charges against them," said Mtsweni.
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