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A branch of the ANC has asked one of its members to resign as a councilor after his arrest for alleged rape.
A protest march is planned for when the defendant appears in court in hopes that bail will not be granted, the party’s largest branch in Alexandra (Zone 13) said in a statement on Sunday.
“As ANC Zone 13 Great Alexandra, we learn with shock and disbelief that one of our councilors has been arrested for an alleged rape crime,” the branch said.
“We wish to affirm without fear of contradicting ourselves that when it comes to GBV (gender violence), we believe and are on the side of the victim. Without ruling on innocence or guilt, we urge law enforcement agencies to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
“We are a constitutional democracy and nobody is above the law. Those who hold public office and are accused of crimes must be subjected to the most intensive scrutiny and the justice system must not stand still. We will be the first to protest if we feel that the justice system is becoming soft on any political official, ”he said.
The ANC would provide support and protection to the alleged victim in accordance with its policy to combat gender violence. “Our last national conference was clear on what political officials should do when they are in a compromised position. We call on the comrade to resign as a counselor and member of the branch executive committee. If it fails to do that, we call [for his suspension]”The statement said.
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