CAPE TOWN - Opposition parties have called for the Theewaterskloof Municipality DA councillor accused of sexual assault, to be removed until the case is resolved.
Councillor Dawid Jooste who is facing a charge of sexual harassment appeared briefly at the Caledon Court last week. The case was postponed.
A woman alleges Jooste tried to touch her without her consent when he gave her a lift last month.
“After getting the right information I went to the police station to open a case of sexual assault. I am angry because I never gave him permission to touch me,” the woman said.
Jooste declined to comment.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said an investigation into the matter was ongoing.
“A sexual assault case registered at Villiersdorp SAPS for investigation. A case was transferred to Caledon FCS for further investigation.
“The investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
DA provincial chairperson Jaco Londt said an internal process into the matter was underway.
“The DA already referred the matter to the tagging committee to start the internal party process,” he said.
Local Government MEC Anton Bredell’s spokesperson, Wouter Kriel said the matter was being dealt with by the Theewaterskloof municipality Speaker, after which, the sanction he has taken will be presented to the MEC.
Speaker Derrick Appel said he has given Jooste ten days to respond.
ANC Chief Whip, Raymond Nongxaza said an urgent item calling for the suspension of the councillor will be submitted at the next council meeting.
“The Council detests gender-based violence and will send a very unambiguous statement to all councillors and our community.
“We expect a unanimous decision on the item as we all cannot condone such behaviour from our leaders,” Nongxaza said.
EFF Western Cape spokesperson, Wandile Kasibe said what Jooste is alleged to have done constitutes a serious violation of the victim’s privacy and is punishable by law.
“Public representatives should lead by example, set high moral standards and stop taking advantage of people, particularly women,” Kasibe said.
Cape Times