GEORGE NEWS - The husband (40) of a Thembalethu woman who is well-known in political circles was arrested on suspicion of rape last week after the alleged victim (41), also from Thembalethu, reported the incident to the police on Tuesday 16 June.
The suspect, who made his first court appearance on Friday 19 June, was back in court yesterday, Wednesday 23 June. At the time of going to print, details surrounding his appearance had not been confirmed.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Malcolm Pojie, the victim told police that she was on her way home from a tavern on Monday evening when the suspect approached her in his vehicle, a VW Polo, and offered her a lift.
"She got into the vehicle and they proceeded to a dark bushy area in Zone 8, Thembalethu, where the man allegedly assaulted her before raping her inside his vehicle," he said.
The vehicle has since been confiscated and sent for forensic tests.
In a press statement released by the ANC Women's League (ANCWL) Victor Molosi Southern Cape Region shortly after the alleged incident, coordinator Ntombovuyo Nogogo said they became aware of the incident through social media and visited the victim to confirm the rumours.
"The victim confirmed that she has opened a case. The victim assured us she had met with a doctor but had not received counselling," reads the statement.
According to the statement, the suspect's wife said that she supports the victim and would like to see her receive the justice she deserves. The ANCWL also confirmed that they would like to assist the victim in receiving proper counselling.
"Our support must remain clear that we as the Women's League are here to support all victims in any way that we can."
Alleged bribery
The statement by the ANCWL also refers to an incident of corruption saying, "We have been alerted on an alleged bribe that took place with regards to this case. We will wait upon the ANC for the internal investigation. Should these allegations be proven to be true then the necessary disciplinary actions will be taken."
In response to the allegation Pojie said the police are aware of a certain voice note doing the rounds on social media whereby the victim makes certain allegations against the investigating officer. "These allegations are of a serious nature and an internal investigation was immediately instituted," he said.
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