NPA pursuing charges against Fransman

CRIMINAL charges against former ANC Western Cape chairperson Marius Fransman are set to be pursued following a sexual harassment allegation that brought him to his knees.

The charges relate to allegations made by Louisa Wynand in January 2016. Wynand, from Stellenbosch, had accompanied Fransman and three of his friends in a car to the ANC’s birthday celebrations in Rustenburg in the North West.

She was allegedly “forced” to sleep next to Fransman in a hotel in Kimberley and he allegedly touched her while two others were seated in the back of the vehicle.

In November 2016, the ANC’s national disciplinary committee found Fransman guilty on two counts of misconduct – one for abusing his office for the purpose of attempting to obtain a sexual favour from Wynand, and another for making public statements which brought the ANC into disrepute.

Wynand’s spokesperson Gavin Prins said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Friday informed her of their decision to prosecute Fransman.

The NPA was reportedly finalising court proceedings and deciding where the case would be heard.

“Hopefully this case can be finalised soon so that she can continue with her life,” Prins said.

Fransman said: “It came to my knowledge that the NPA intends to proceed with this matter.

“The full details of the charge are unclear considering the decision of the authorities in the North West two years ago not to prosecute.

“I will be engaging my lawyers to better understand the decision of the DPP in Kimberley,” he said.