Update

GEORGE NEWS - Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland is back in full force after his suspension from party activities has been lifted by the DA party on Monday. He has been suspended from all DA activities since March this year.

Figland received a lot of heat for his alleged "sexting" with a matric learner in 2021. 

Figland, who is married, was separated from his wife at the time the alleged sexting took place. 

He was accused of having improper relations with a possible minor, which included the sending of improper photos to Figland by the teen.

"It was, however, factually established that the young woman involved was over the age of 18 at the time the alleged incident occurred, ruling out allegations of criminal liability," said the DA's national spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, in a statement yesterday afternoon.

"Despite repeated efforts, the key witness in the case refused to testify, and without her evidence it was impossible for the panel to convict Clr Figland in the matter."

Relieved

Asked how he feels about this outcome, Figland said he is more than relieved that it is all over. "I can finally move out from under the dark cloud. I can't express my relief enough," he said.

Detailed investigation

Aucamp said the DA took the allegations in this matter extremely seriously. "The DA Federal Legal Commission conducted a detailed and thorough investigation, over six months, under the leadership of an experienced attorney, to establish any verifiable evidence to substantiate the allegations."

From Council's side the matter is also done and dusted. An earlier report by Schröter Attorneys indicated that there is no reliable evidence to proceed to act on the matter.

Opposition parties such as the FF Plus, ACDP and Good expressed their displeasure, questioning the ethical aspect of the situation. 

"Moral values should be linked to the chair of the deputy mayor," wrote the FF Plus and ACDP in a letter of complaint to the speaker.

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