Dalphine Tagwireyi
The ANC is continuing to turn a blind eye to a candidate in Mpumalanga who allegedly raped his daughter over a period of five years.
The matter was reported to the police in August by the 16-year-old’s mother, long before the ruling party finalised its candidate lists.
And while the ANC seems to stand by the councillor, the police say they can’t find him to arrest him – even though he’s on the campaign trail.
We are not naming the councillor as he has not been charged.
Residents raised the matter with Vice President David Mabuza when he visited the province, and many are complaining that they’re been asked to vote for him.
Colonel Donald Mdhluli, a spokesperson for the SAPS in Mpumalanga, told Scrolla.Africa that an arrest is pending, but that they simply cannot find him.
“The investigating officer has gathered all the evidence to effect an arrest and once we find his whereabouts, he will face the law,” Mdhluli said.
The ANC appears relaxed about the situation. It’s understood that Mabuza told the community that no individuals would be removed from the lists at this late stage, but that an investigation would be carried out after the vote and should any wrongdoing be identified on the councillor’s part, he will be forced to step down.
Residents of the ward have expressed their anger and frustration at both the ANC and SAPS for not dealing with the alleged crime.
In the intervening period, the councillor has allegedly threatened to deal harshly with the 16-year-old victim if she confides in anyone about her alleged ordeal.
A resident said, “we will not be voting for a heartless person who can violate his own daughter. Imagine what he will do to us as community members”.
