DA councillor held for alleged sex assault

A DA councillor has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Clanwilliam.

Western Cape police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the politician had been arrested on Wednesday.

He will appear in court today on charges of sexual assault.

“The alleged incident happened on [Sunday] and was reported at Clanwilliam SAPS on Wednesday. The case will be investigated by the FCS unit‚ Vredendal‚” Van Wyk said.

Meanwhile, ANC West Coast regional spokesman Sammy Claasen said his party welcomed swift action by police on the matter.

“We call on the community of Clanwilliam and the broader West Coast region to support the alleged victim and her family during this difficult time,” he said.

“We hope for a speedily and fair trial to restore justice for the victim.”

The councillor serves in the West Coast district municipality.

In a statement issued yesterday‚ the DA said it “views sexual assault in an extremely serious light and will act severely against any of its members found guilty of this”.

The party said the councillor was innocent until proven guilty.

“Should a guilty verdict arise‚ the DA will take action. The DA will let the law run its course.” — TMG