DURBAN – A councillor, who has been charged with raping a minor, has been suspended with immediate effect, the IFP announced today.
The councillor from KwaDukuza, who cannot be named as he has been charged with rape and is yet to plead to the charge, is alleged to have raped the minor and subsequently impregnated her, raising the ire of the community and child protection advocacy groups.
According to IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the IFP’s National Executive Committee(NEC) was advised of the serious allegations against the councillor and resolved that he should immediately be suspended from all party activities.
“The KZN Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and Political Oversight Committee (POC) have now been tasked with investigating the allegations and establishing all the material facts. They will report back to the NEC on Monday, December 20,” said Hlengwa.
He added that the party takes the allegations very seriously and is committed to giving this matter the urgent and immediate attention it deserves.
It called for the court processes to move with the necessary speed, so that justice may be served swiftly.
“The IFP would like to categorically state that the party does not condone, and will not tolerate, any form of abuse, exploitation or violence against women, children, and other vulnerable people. This, particularly from public representatives that have been appointed to serve in the best interests of their communities,” Hlengwa said.
He concluded by saying that the councillor faced the prospect of a life ban from the party structures and activities if the allegations proved to be true.
The African National Congress Women’s League has welcomed the councillor’s suspension, saying it was an important move by a party that represents people.
Provincial secretary Nonhlanhla Gabela said the councillor had brought shame to public office and abused his position as a councillor to prey on the vulnerable.
“We would like the matter to be dealt with speedily and we hope to see the IFP rank and file in court when the case is heard as a sign of opposition against abuse of women and children,” Khoza concluded.
THE MERCURY