Picture: EFF councillor in Klerksdorp, Lesole Malefo/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
4 March 2026- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West has suspended its councillor, Lesole Malefo after allegedly requesting sexual favours from the rape victim (18). This comes after a young woman alleges in a circulating video that, she was raped by a man known as “Black Cat.”
According to the victim, the matter was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on or about 10 February 2026, yet to date the suspect has not been apprehended. The rape victim alleges that she approached Malefo for assistance, who in turn solicited sexual favours from her.
The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said they treat these allegations with the utmost seriousness. Babuile said they have instituted internal disciplinary processes and placed Malefo on suspension pending investigations.
“The delay in arresting the alleged perpetrator raises serious concerns about the handling of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases within the province and the protection afforded to victims. The EFF strongly condemns the alleged conduct of the police and the injustice suffered by the victim, particularly the disturbing claim that she was told to search for the suspect herself.
“Such conduct, if true, represents a gross dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the constitutional mandate to protect vulnerable members of society. The EFF delegation met with the family to offer support and reaffirmed its uncompromising stance against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and any form of exploitation of vulnerable women,” he said.
Bauile further said justice must prevail and all institutions entrusted with public confidence must act decisively and lawfully.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “Yesterday, I learnt through social media platform regarding the unfortunate incident involving a young lady that was alleged raped by a thug by the name of Black Cat.
“The incident that compelled me to leave everything was because I was at the legislature when I learnt of the video. I rushed to the police station to understand what was happening because the historical background is that the incident happened around January 2026, however, no arrests were made and there was no progress.”
Morweng said he had to respond as the community leader and as the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management. He added that they interacted with the SAPS Management in the Kenneth Kaunda District and managed to get the background of the case.
“So, I can confirm that the case is still on the roll and the docket is still active. However, the suspect is still at large, but the police are working tirelessly to ensure that they arrest him. We can confirm that we have provided assistance to the family through psycho-social support.
“I interacted with the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie. Dantjie has sent a team to the family so that we can provide necessary counselling to the family during this difficult and trying time. We would also like to applaud the bravery of the victim for speaking out,” said Morweng.
“I have raised that sharply with the SAPS Management and I have issued an instruction to the investigating officer must be investigated and consequence management must be effected. Sometimes our police are very clumsy. You cannot tell the victim to go and look for the suspect herself. It is disingenuous and lacks morality. You are saying to the victim to go and be raped again or get killed,” he said.
The Guardian 