The accused appeared in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court
AN INTERN at the Northern Cape Department of Social Development was arrested on a charge of assault on Wednesday.
The accused, Calvin Tshepo Korope, appeared in the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court later on Wednesday.
It is believed that the complainant has obtained an interdict against Korope.
Police spokesperson Captain Bashoabile Kale said that Korope was granted bail and was expected to reappear in court again on March 17.
Kale said that the police were investigating a case of common assault/domestic violence against Korope.
“The suspect was arrested this (Wednesday) morning and appeared in court. We can also confirm that the victim applied for an interdict against the suspect and it was served on him,” said Kale.
The station commander of Galeshewe police station, Brigadier Belinda Rikhotso, has meanwhile urged women to speedily report cases of gender-based violence to their nearest police station, instead of posting the accusations on social media.
“The publishing of suspects’ pictures on WhatsApp groups and Facebook compromises our investigations and puts the lives of the accused persons in danger,” she said.
Northern Cape Department of Social Development spokesperson Gamiem Abrahams said that Korope was employed on a 12-month contract that would come to an end on March 31.
“The department was informed of the imminent arrest of the intern and the head of department offered her full co-operation and support in the process,” said Abrahams.
“The department – being at the front line of fighting gender-based violence and advocating for the rights of women, children and the infirm – condemns in the strongest terms any forms of violence toward not only women and children, but violence in general.”
Abrahams added that Korope was one of a number of interns placed by the department in order to gain experience to better prepare them for the labour market. “As such he is not a permanent employee of the Department of Social Development or provincial government.
“The case is under investigation and a legal process is in process. The department is busy with its internal investigation and based on the outcome of both the criminal and departmental investigation the appropriate lawful action will be taken.”
Abrahams said that the department was willing to assist the complainant if she required any psycho-social support.
