Party lets sex pest keep job

DA SEX pest MP Archie Figlan is allowed to seek re-election as a DA member of parliament in future.

Figlan was found guilty of sexual harassment by the DA last week but will continue his duties as an MP and will not be prevented from running for his seat again in 2019.

However, he may not seek election for DA leadership positions for five years.

He must also pay a fine of R12 000 and do community service at the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders for 12 months. And he had to write a personal letter of apology to the complainant.

If he commits a similar offence within five years, he will be kicked out of the DA and lose his seat.

The complainant, who works at the party’s head office, said Figlan “took her hand and put it on his privates” during a march before President Jacob Zuma’s state of the nation address in February.

The DA last week came under fire from gender groups and political opponents who believe Figlan got off lightly. Some called for his removal as an MP, but James Selfe, chairman of the DA federal executive, said the complainant was satisfied.

Among those claiming the sentence is too light is ANC chief whip Stone Sizani.

“We are outraged by the DA’s decision to give its sex pest MP . . . a mere slap on the wrist,” parliamentary spokesman Moloto Mothapo said. A fellow DA MP said he was surprised, too. “They let him get off lightly. This could complicate things for us,” said the member.

Figlan said the sentence was fair. “I also don’t want to discuss anything as to contradict the party . . . My image has been diminished,” he said.