DA councillor caught molesting girl of 13

A DA ward councillor in the Cederberg Municipality has been arrested after he was allegedly caught sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.

It is believed that the councillor lured the girl into his office and locked the door, and then allegedly sexually assaulted her.

The alleged incident occurred on Sunday and was reported at the Clanwilliam police station on Wednesday.

The councillor, who cannot be named because he hasn’t pleaded in court, is a proportionate ward councillor for the DA.

He is being held at the Clanwilliam police station where he is awaiting formal charges. The case will be investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit based in Vredendal

The ANC in the West Coast region has expressed “great shock” at the incident.

“We have learned with shock about the alleged incident that led to the councillor’s arrest,” said Sammy Claassen, the ANC’s West Coast spokesperson.

He also applauded the police for their swift response.

“We want to convey our strongest sympathies and well wishes to the child and her family,” Claassen said. He also urged all ANC supporters to condemn the abuse of children.

“We call on the DA to apologise to the family and the community of Clanwilliam for this despicable act of abuse and violence against a minor by one of its councillors,” Claassen said.

The DA’s federal executive council chairman, James Selfe, told the Cape Argus that the party viewed sexual assault in a very serious light.

Selfe said that in order for them to take further action they had to wait for justice to run its course.

The councillor is expected to appear in court today. – Staff Reporter