A 56-year-old City of Cape Town councillor appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court yesterday (17 October) on a charge of rape.
He was released on a R1 000 bail and will appear again on Tuesday 6 December.
He was arrested on Friday 14 October and was detained at the Philippi Police Station.
The public servant, who is a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), has been in office since 2010.
He is also a sub-council chair.
The rape case was opened early last week by a woman in her twenties.
According to the complainant, the councillor promised her work opportunities in the safety sector.
READ | Public servant arrested on charges of rape
Commenting on the arrest on Friday, Police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg confirmed the arrest of a prominent person.
“A 56-year-old male was arrested on a charge of rape and is due to make a court appearance in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday,” Twigg says.
Meanwhile, irate residents from the area picketed outside the court in support of the victim.
The protest was organised over the weekend through different chat groups.
The protesters also vowed to oppose bail.
Felicity Purchase, speaker for the City of Cape Town Council, told television news channel ENCA that her office is investigating the breach of code of conduct by councillors and resolutions will be taken thereafter.
“As speaker I and the City are aware of the arrest and the allegations involving the City councillor. The allegations form part of an investigation being conducted by my office in terms of a possible breach of code of conduct for councillors.
“Due process is being followed in this matter in keeping with our complaints-procedures and compliant to all the stipulations,” she said during an interview on television.
Community leaders are reluctant to comment for fear of victimisation.
Ashraf Gamieldien, spokesperson for the family of the victim, says they are not coping well and are struggling to deal with their feelings.
The family is also scared to appear in public after being threatened by supporters of the accused for opening the case.
