CAPE TOWN - An external investigator is set to be appointed in the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality to probe allegations against DA councillor Dawid Jooste who is accused of sexual assault.
Jooste is facing a charge of sexual assault and appeared in the Caledon Magistrates's Court last month.
This is as several more women, including two female councillors, have also come forward, alleging that Jooste has sent them messages that made them feel uncomfortable.
A woman who alleged Jooste had tried to touch her without her consent lodged a complaint with police recently.
ANC Chief Whip Raymond Nongxaza said the municipal council has resolved to appoint an external person who will investigate the allegations against Jooste.
“We had a meeting last week Thursday and we took a resolution as council that we will appoint an external person that will do the investigation against councillor Jooste. That process is under way,” he said
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed a sexual assault case was registered at Villiersdorp SAPS for investigation.
“A case was transferred to Caledon FCS for further investigation.
“The investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
This comes as opposition parties have called for Jooste to be suspended until the matter is resolved.
DA provincial chairperson Jaco Londt had previously said an internal process into the matter was under way.
Tanya Bippert, a former DA ward chairperson in the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality who recently resigned and terminated her membership, said she believed the DA needed to take a firm stance over the allegations against Jooste.
“A sexual assault investigation is a criminal matter. However, a councillor accused of such acts must also be suspended pending internal investigation for misconduct based on your DA policy. If such policy or procedures do not exist, then it is time that such be put in place,” said Bippert.
Jooste said “no comment“ when approached for comment on Sunday.
A councillor who would like her name not be used for fear of victimisation claimed Jooste had sent her messages, asking if they could meet.
“We were at a council workshop and he sent me a message saying ’you look beautiful’.”
Another female councillor also claimed Jooste had sent her a picture of himself, asking her to date him.
“He sent me a picture of himself, saying in Afrikaans: ’Die man wag vir jou’ (this man is waiting for you). Asking me to date him. I ignored him. Personally, with the allegations that surfaced. It’s like people that hold political office are above the law,” she said.
Executive director at Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women Centre , Lucinda Evans said Jooste should have been suspended until the criminal case was concluded.
“He is still in his position of power to intimidate the victims and the many others who have stepped forward,” she said.
Cape Times