COUNCILLOR IN COURT
Suspended councillor speaks out about ‘plot to destroy me’ and claims he was a ‘victim of abuse’
A LOCAL politician, community activist and reverend has spoken out about being a victim of abuse, claiming assault charges brought against him by his now ex-girlfriend were a ploy to destroy him.
Ethan Ramkuar (25) on Friday acquired an interim court order against his former partner, who the ZO has chosen not to name, for abuse, harassment and spreading false accusations against him.
This after the former City of uMhlathuze ward 9 DA proportional representative (PR) councillor was arrested and on Wednesday appeared in the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court where his ex-girlfriend withdrew the charges.
He was released on a warning and the matter was remanded to 25 May for the Director of Public Prosecution’s decision.
I spent two days in a dirty, horrible cell for a crime I did not commit
The DA, meanwhile, moved quickly to suspend him from political activities.
His suspension was confirmed by the DA KZN Provincial Executive on Thursday and will remain in place until all outstanding investigations are resolved.
‘The DA assures the public that we will not hesitate to take action against anyone found guilty of contravening our values and constitution,’ said DA KZN leader Francois Rodgers MPL.
Ongoing abuse
Ramkuar says he thought long and hard about telling his side of the story as it was ‘embarrassing to tell it to the world’.
‘I am not sharing this for sympathy, but to break the silence because men go through so much but no one believes us.
‘I was in a relationship since November; it was a romantic relationship and I truly loved the individual.
‘I was emotionally, financially and physically abused, and the relationship became toxic because there was too much insecurity and jealousy.’
Ramkuar says he stayed in the relationship because his partner threatened suicide every time he spoke about leaving.
‘My ex-girlfriend charged me with common assault and domestic violence - something that is so new to me.’
Ramkuar claims there was no investigation, and the police arrested him illegally.
‘I spent two days in a dirty, horrible cell for a crime I did not commit.
‘She then withdrew the charges and stated [the accusations] were false.’
Ramkuar said, despite this, he wanted to work things out.
That did not last long, however, as he again told her, on 23 April, that they should separate, and she allegedly physically assaulted him.
He said she escaped the house after their talk, and messaged friends and colleagues, claiming he abused her.
He approached the court on Friday for a protection order, and opened a case of assault and domestic violence against her.
‘She apologised for the false claims and said she did such because she could not leave me.
‘But what she did damaged me. ‘I will always love her, but I could not deal with the mental, emotional and physical abuse.
‘I loved her but I know I was being used, and I feel heart-broken and shattered that someone I trusted could try and destroy my character.’
Ramkuar’s former partner opted not to comment on the allegations, saying the matter is before the courts.
‘I have full confidence an investigation and the court will come to a conclusion,’ she said.