Update

GEORGE NEWS - A case which involves Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland, a "sexting matter" and a preliminary report has been revisited by the Good party through two press statements, sharing their thoughts on the DA's ongoing investigation. 

They also went ahead and filed a motion to the speaker of George Municipality, to reopen an investigation into Figland. This motion is supported by the rest of the opposition in Council.

Good is of the opinion that Mayor Jackie von Brandis should pursue this matter further. They urged her to "protect the young and vulnerable" and suspend Figland.

History

The complaint against Figland relates to his alleged relationship with a 19-year-old matriculant in 2021. Allegations include the sending of improper photos to Figland by the 19-year-old.

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

A report by Adv Glynnis Breytenbach, chairperson of the DA Federal Legal Commission, was released in February this year and presented to the DA's Federal Executive. A decision was then taken to suspend Figland from party activities. 

He was to remain in office while the Federal Legal Committee conducts an investigation - an investigation which is still ongoing. This was confirmed by Venolea Fortuin, DA chairperson for the East Region.

Meanwhile, George Council conducted its own investigation with the help of Schröter Attorneys, whose report indicated that there is no reliable evidence to proceed to act on the matter. This was accepted by Council.

Separate

Municipal spokesperson Chantel Edwards confirmed that the two investigations run by Council and by the DA are separate.

"Council accepted the outcome of an internal investigation undertaken and resolved on 26 July not to proceed with disciplinary actions against Councillor R Figland on the alleged breach, based on the finding that there is no evidence to proceed to act on the matter, as the evidence presented was inconclusive," said Edwards. 

"The matter was therefore concluded by the municipality with the reporting of the outcome of the matter to the MEC for local government (Western Cape)."

She said it should be remembered that there are two different investigations conducted by different entities based most likely on different evidence provided.

Media

Since the release of Good's statement last week, Figland has received many calls from media houses countrywide. "I was inundated with phone calls about the matter," he said.

"Nothing has changed. I am still in a disciplinary process, and the DA hasn't completed their investigation. It is ongoing." Figland said it is noteworthy that Good chose to revisit the matter weeks before a by-election in Borcherds, on 23 October.

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