An ANC staff member from the Southern Cape regional office was arrested on Sunday 28 May morning for allegedly raping a Nelson Mandela University student.
The incident took place at a house in Ramaphosa, Thembalethu, in George where the victim was allegedly violated by the suspect in his 40s. The man was arrested shortly after the incident and appeared in court on Monday, where he was released on bail two days later.
ANC provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni said the party was investigating the matter and gathering all the facts. He said ANC stands vehemently opposed to any form of sexual or physical violence against women and children. Mtsweni said if the allegations are found to be true, the party will take action against the accused.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident within the ANC. Last month, an ANC councillor in North West was arrested for rape after video footage of him allegedly having sex with an underage boy went viral on social media platforms.
Police spokesman Sergeant Christopher Spies confirmed the incident which he said it is still under investigation. “Preliminary investigation into the alleged incident indicates that the victim (25) accompanied a man to a house in Ramaphosa Street, Thembalethu, on Sunday, 28 May 2023 at about 3am. They later went to a room where he violated her,” said Spies.