‘New mayor cleared of all charges’

THE RULING party has claimed that ANC Regional Executive Committee (REC) deputy secretary Wende Marekwa has been cleared of all criminal charges and has assured his naysayers that he is fit and ready to lead the Frances Baard District Municipality as its newly-elected mayor.

Marekwa was charged with culpable homicide after knocking over a pedestrian in Barkly West last year.

A sexual assault charge was also registered against Marekwa in 2012 at the Galeshewe police station after he allegedly “unlawfully and intentionally sexually violated and fondled a person” without consent.

DA provincial leader Andrew Louw, however, believes that the charges have not been finalised yet.

“Marekwa is not the only one facing criminal charges. Sol Plaatje executive mayor Mangaliso Matika was charged after allegedly assaulting a staff member in his own office last year. The person sustained injuries to his eyes and behind his ears,” said Louw.

“Hantam mayor Roger Swartz is facing a charge of crimen injuria after he allegedly shouted and swore at a pregnant DA councillor at the municipal offices earlier this year. Swartz also allegedly assaulted and verbally attacked another DA councillor.”

Louw stated that it was “unbecoming” for high-profile politicians to engage in acts of violence.

“Our public administration should under no circumstances be compromised by a government that turns a blind eye to violence against women and other crimes.”

ANC provincial secretary Deshi Ngxanga pointed out that both matters against Marekwa had been withdrawn.

“The culpable homicide case was withdrawn on May 4.”

Responding to queries regarding Marekwa’s qualifications, Ngxanga pointed out that while qualifications were not a prerequisite for an individual to be elected as a mayor, Marekwa was in possession of a matric certificate as well as post-matric qualifications.