The regional chairperson of the ANC Youth League in the Pixley ka Seme district has voluntarily stepped down following his arrest for allegedly assaulting a woman at a tavern in Colesberg on August 6.
THE REGIONAL chairperson of the ANC Youth League in the Pixley ka Seme district, Andile Phololo, has voluntarily stepped down following his arrest for allegedly assaulting a woman at a tavern in Colesberg on August 6.
ANC members were in Colesberg to attend the provincial Women’s Day celebrations when an argument apparently erupted between an ANC PEC member and the complainant over access to seats at the tavern.
Phololo intervened by allegedly throwing a glass filled with alcohol in the complainant’s face.
Community members said they were shocked by the “brutal attack on a vulnerable young lady”.
“We call upon residents and women in the community to stand up and support the woman who was the victim of gender-based violence,” they said.
The secretary of the Umsobomvu Residents Association (URA), Abongwe Poyo, said the woman was admitted to hospital and she could possibly lose her sight as pieces of glass had become lodged in her eye.
“We are deeply shocked and disturbed by the alleged assault of a defenceless young lady who was in Colesberg to attend a funeral. Her cellphone was also broken during the incident. She is working in Cape Town. This incident happens at a time where we are experiencing gender-based violence of critical proportions.”
Poyo added that the suspect was given police bail on a serious charge, without being taken into custody.
Police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana said the Kuyasa police were investigating a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) after a woman was assaulted by a male suspect at a local tavern on the weekend.
“The victim sustained bruises and injuries to the face. Police investigations are ongoing.”
Tawana added that the suspect was arrested on a charge of assault GBH and was released on bail.
The regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, stated that the accused was granted police bail of R400.
“He appeared on August 10, where the matter was postponed until August 31 for further investigations.”
ANC provincial secretary Deshi Ngxanga said any member was expected to step aside with immediate effect if he or she was arrested.
“We do not wait for a trial or a judgment.”
