A 56-year-old man, the chairperson of the Strand Community Police Forum (CPF), has been arrested on multiple charges of sexual offences involving a minor.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said the accused was remanded in custody following his appearance in the Strand Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 6 August.

He is due to appear again on 14 August for a bail application. The State has indicated it will oppose bail.

“Police arrested the 56-year-old suspect on Wednesday 6 August, in connection with two counts of sexual assault levelled against him. He appeared in the Strand Magistrates’ court the same day. 

“Khayelitsha Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is probing a sexual assault case following an incident which allegedly happened on 3 June at the workplace of the suspect, whose name cannot be revealed due to the nature of the alleged offence,” Pojie said.

“The initial case was registered at Strand SAPS and transferred to Gordon’s Bay SAPS as the alleged offence was perpetrated within their precinct.”

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the accused faces charges of exposure or display of genital organs to a 15-year-old girl, two counts of compelled self-sexual assault, two counts of crimen injuria, and one count of sexual assault.

Ntabazalila added the case falls under Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act, meaning the accused must show that it is in the interests of justice for him to be released on bail.

“I can confirm that a 56-year-old man, chairperson of the Strand CPF, appeared at the Strand Magistrate’s Court.

“He is charged with exposure, or display of causing exposure or display of genital organs to a minor (flashing), two counts of compelled self sexual assault (telling the minor to massage him to get aroused), two counts of crimes injuria (asking the minor to undress herself) and sexual assault (massaging her breast).

“The incidents happened between 3 July and the sexual assault happened on 26 July. The State charged him under Schedule 5, which places the onus on him to prove that it is in the interest of justice to be released on bail. His case has been postponed until 14 August for a bail application. The State will oppose the bail application.”

The City of Cape Town District CPF Board and the Khayelitsha sub-district CPF Board issued a joint statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations.

The statement confirmed that CPF structures would not make further public comment while the matter is under investigation, but stressed that due process would be followed in line with the CPF Uniformed Constitution.

“We have full confidence in the ongoing investigation and trust that the necessary authorities will deal with the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” the statement read.

“Appropriate action will be taken in line with our governing framework to ensure accountability, integrity, and the protection of the CPF’s role in community safety. We are deeply concerned by the nature of the allegations and take this opportunity to wish the alleged victim strength and healing on her recovery journey.”

Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais also commented on the matter, describing the allegations as “reprehensible” and calling for zero tolerance for any form of abuse.

“It is essential that only individuals of the highest moral standing and integrity serve on community structures like CPFs. I therefore commend the City of Cape Town District CPF Board and Khayelitsha Sub-District CPF Board for their urgency in dealing with this matter. The law must now take its course,” she said.

ANC caucus spokesperson for Police Oversight and Community Safety, and SACP provincial secretary in the Western Cape, Benson Ngqentsu, raised concerns about the vetting processes for individuals serving on community structures.

“This incident… makes an argument that all kinds of people’s power structures are today infiltrated by criminal networks and people with historic criminal records,” he said.

“I strongly condemn the incident and call on the South African Police Service to tighten their systems and ensure all those in the system are thoroughly vetted.”

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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