ANCWL reacts to Fransman allegations

The ANCWL had been made aware of the alleged sexual harassment charges against ANC Western Cape chairman Marius Fransman, league secretary general Meogo Matuba said.

“The ANCWL has always been firm that it stands with the victim and would like to reiterate this message. Whilst the ANCWL supports and stands with the victim, it respects and has confidence in the justice system to protect the women of this country. The ANCWL will monitor the police investigations and the legal case very closely,” she said.

“We firmly believe in the principles of the freedom charter, which state that all shall be equal before the law; we should further allow a fair and just trial as no one is above the law. However, we acknowledge the constitutional rights of the alleged offender of being innocent until proven guilty,” Matuba said.

Fransman has dismissed the allegations of sexual assault against him, lodged at a police station in Rustenburg, North West, on Tuesday.

“Mr Fransman denies the allegations with the contempt they deserve,” the Western Cape ANC said in a statement on Friday.

The ANC in the Western Cape and Fransman believed police should be afforded space to do their work and called on everyone to respect that.

“As a seasoned politician I expect these kinds of malicious attacks on my integrity. This is unfortunately one of the lowest level that people can stoop to,” Fransman said.

“I want the police to leave no stone unturned in investigating this matter as I am interested in getting to the bottom of the allegations. I will pursue all available avenues to clear my name and protect my integrity,” he said.

Fransman “admits knowing the complainant and travelling with her and two other individuals from Cape Town to Rustenburg, but denies causing her any harm. The complainant was a companion of one of the passengers in the vehicle”, the ANC said.

“While the complaint is being investigated by the police Mr Fransman believes that there is more to these spurious allegations than meets the eye. At this point however, he has taken a decision to allow the police to conclude their investigation before commenting any further on the matter.

“Mr Fransman would like to express a profound sense of gratitude to all those persons who, upon hearing these malicious allegations, reached out to him, both within the ANC and other political parties, fully aware that these kinds of allegations and accusations are not uncommon to those who hold higher political offices,” the ANC said.

Earlier on Friday, the ANC confirmed that a case had been opened on Tuesday against Fransman in the North West, where he was was attending the ANC’s 104th birthday celebrations.

North West police spokesman Sabata Mokgwabone was not prepared to provide details of the case, and was only prepared to say: “A case is opened and it is still under investigation. No arrests.”

ANC National spokesman Zizi Kodwa also commented on the matter saying they were aware of the investigation and that, “we reaffirm [the] ANC’s gender policy with regards to respect for women’s rights”. - ANA

(File photo: Gallo Images)