Cape Town - The DA has decided to remain mum after yet another member of the party was accused of sexual harassment.
The incident allegedly took place last month at the victim’s home and the suspect is also a senior and a pastor in a local church.
Speaking to the Cape Times, the victim said: “He came to my house and tried to force himself on me.
“Then he told me he would look after me nicely… and I told him I’m not that kind of girl.
“He then tried to apologise to me.”
Jooste declined to comment when approached by the Weekend Argus.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed an investigation was opened.
“A case was transferred to Caledon FCS for further investigation.
“The investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
DA provincial chairperson Jaco Londt decided not to respond to questions about whether they have taken any action against the member.
Good party councillor and Theewaterskloof municipality deputy mayor John Michels said they were demanding questions from the DA.
“The DA must clarify whether or not it is aware of such charges.
“If they are aware; will they commit to suspending their councillor pending the outcome of a criminal investigation into these allegations.”
The recent allegation happens in just two weeks since Albert Fritz was fired from his post as MEC of community safety following the conclusion of a report into sexual allegations he faced.
“The DA has a duty to suspend any councillor pending the outcome of the criminal case for which they stand accused as they did with Fritz and just last week with DA Msunduzi councillor, Lucky Naicker, who also stands accused of sexual misconduct,” said Michels.
“With each week it appears that more and more public representatives are being exposed for their sexual misconduct and there must be decisive consequences.
“We trust the DA will take this seriously and remove their councillor from the post until the conclusion of a full investigation by the Caledon police.”
ANC leader in the provincial legislature Cameron Dugmore said: “I call directly on Premier Alan Winde, acting DA provincial leader Tertius Simmers and national DA leader John Steenhuisen to immediately suspend this councillor while the investigation is under way.
“Anything less would expose the DA for paying lip service against gender-based violence within their party, in government and society.
“They also need to launch an internal investigation into this councillor.”
Weekend Argus