ANC birthday bash marred
in South Africa can go and lay a complaint at the police station. It doesn’t mean it’s true.
“It is the right of people to say what they want to say as long as they know there are many sides to a story.”
“It is clear there is more to it. Whatever processes take place, I will respect it.”
Hours later Fransman sent an official statement from Rustenburg confirming that a complainant had been to the Rustenburg police station on Tuesday.
North West police spokesman Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said: “A case (has been) opened and it is still under investigation.”
Fransman in his statement said he would deny the “allegations with the contempt they deserve”.
“As a seasoned politician I expect these kinds of malicious attacks on my integrity. This is unfortunately one of the lowest levels that people can stoop to.
“I want the police to leave no stone unturned in investigating this matter as I am interested in getting to the bottom of the allegations. I will pursue all available avenues to clear my name and protect my integrity.” Fransman, in his statement, admits knowing the complainant and travelling with her and two others from Cape Town to Rustenburg, but denies causing her any harm.
“The complainant was a companion of one of the passengers in the vehicle,” reads the statement.
It continues: “While the complaint is being investigated by the police, Mr Fransman believes that there is more to these spurious allegations than meets the eye.
“At this point, however, he has taken a decision to allow the police to conclude their investigation before commenting any further on the matter.”
Fransman said he had received numerous phone calls and texts after his name was tarnished on social media websites. “I am so appreciative of all the messages and calls that came from people. Even leadership of different political parties said they can’t believe this.
“It’s a pity Patricia (De Lille) used it for politics,” said Fransman. “There are now two processes. The police must do its work and then the political process will start.
“I’m not going to be sidetracked by it. There’s 104 years of the ANC that we are celebrating (this weekend). It’s unfortunate that this incident had to cloud it. I don’t like to have negativity around the ANC.”
Cape Town mayor De Lille reportedly called on Fransman to step down as provincial ANC leader after hearing about the allegation. “The ANC must act against its loose cannon Western Cape leader, or be seen to approve of his alleged sexual assault,” she said.
Her party, the DA, said in a statement Fransman “must be immediately suspended”.
“There is no place for sex offenders in the seats of highpolitical office,” the party said.
The EFF alleged the ANC’s North West chairman Supra Mahumapelo “tried to suppress the case”.
“It has reliably come to the attention of the EFF that following attempts by the victim to open a sexual harassment case against Fransman… Mahumapelo was trying to use his power as premier… to suppress the case,” it claimed.
“The EFF condemns this move as reactionary, antiwomen and perpetuating a rape culture in our society.”
Dennis Bloem, spokesman for the Congress of the People, said the police should “ensure the complainant against Fransman receives the full protection of the law”.
“In many previous sexual harassment cases, police have tended to protect those in prominent positions at the expense of the woman who has been sexually molested or violated,” he said.
“The fact that a charge has been laid with the police in Rustenburg… is indicative of its seriousness.”
There is more to these spurious allegations than meets the eye