Charges against clergyman withdrawn

Eastern Cape clergyman Reverend Phumezo Jaxa spent Sunday night in police cells after a quarrel with a family member took a violent turn.

The Mdantsane police arrested the chairperson of the Buffalo City metropolitan municipality’s (BCMM) ethics committee on Sunday. Jaxa, who is also the metro’s ward 48 ANC councillor, is also a minister of the National Baptist Church of South Africa.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said the victim opened a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at Vulindlela Police Station following a domestic violence incident.

The incident happened after a quarrel between Jaxa and a loved one at a home in NU12, Mdantsane, said Mawisa.

He appeared in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he was released after the complainant withdrew the charges against him.

The National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said: “The case was not enrolled at court on 29 January after the complainant filed a withdrawal statement. The complainant has been advised to obtain a protection order.”

When called for comment, Jaxa said: “I am home with my family. Indeed, I can confirm that charges have been dropped.”

The EFF has described the incident as gender-based violence and condemned it. The party has also called on the victim to reach out to its gender-based violence desk for support.

EFF regional secretary and PR councillor in the metro Siya Rumbu said: “We assist women at the receiving end of this ugly scourge. This should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”

Conduct and disciplinary matters involving councillors are handled by the office of the council speaker.

Speaker Humphrey Maxhegwana’s had not commented at the time of going to print.

The mayor, Princess Faku, confirmed that the municipality has been made aware of the incident.

“We understand that the charges have since been withdrawn against Cllr Jaxa. But we are clear as [Buffalo City metropolitan municipality] council that we are against any form of violence, we condemn any acts of violence,” the mayor said.

The complainant has been advised to obtain a protection order.

Luxolo Tyali National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson