Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said they have received a formal request to investigate whether the alleged rape incident that involves the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng’s cronies, took place at the room that was booked for Morweng by the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) or not.
This comes after Morweng’s cronies, Tebogo Metswamere and Puleng Mosadi, who were both ANCYL Deputy Convener and Coordinator in the Ngaka Modiri Molema Region respectively, were arrested for allegedly raping a woman (33). According to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema, the alleged rape, took place at Protea Hotel in Mahikeng, in the same room where Morweng was booked in by the NWPL.
“Mosadi is employed by Mmabana Foundation, where Morweng was the CEO, prior to being appointed as MEC. We are grimly concerned by the rise of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and patriarchal relations that have taken a different turn, which sees women being raped by the very people who are tasked with the responsibility to lead, protect and shower them with love.
“It is also alleged that the victim was faced with hurdles when she went to open a case, wherein police officers in Mmabatho Police Station were insensitive and reluctant to open a case. It is quite evident with the high level of victims in cases of this nature that the political elites in this country enjoy impunity at the expense of the most vulnerable,” he said.
Moema further said clearly, the moral fabric that is espoused in the constitution has been trampled on by the political elites, who have turned executive offices into a predatory state and as a result, the communities are left grieving during a Women’s Month.
He added that a fish rots from the head and as such, it is unacceptable for Morweng, who is responsible for Community Safety and Transport Management portfolio, to continue to hold such a prestigious office that is at the epicentre of righteousness, protection and moral guidance.
“We call for Morweng, together with the two accused persons, to resign from public offices. We will be on the ground to monitor developments of this case closely and provide necessary support to the victims, families, friends and the grieving communities at large.
“We call upon community members to attend to the court case on 2 September 2024, and ensure that we voice out our dismay in demand of justice,” said Moema.
It is also alleged that Metswamere was earmarked to be appointed as a Support of Staff Officer in Morweng’s Office.
Sonakile said: “We have noted the allegations that are in the media space with regards to who paid for the room, where the rape is alleged to have taken place. Last week, we also received a formal request for an investigation from community activists.
“We would not want to make any aspersions, so we have written to both the Legislature and the department to clarify the issue of the payment towards the booking. Once we receive the responses, we will table it before the committee, so that a decision on the way forward can be taken.”
Meanwhile, it is also alleged that Morweng has tried to bribe the alleged rape victim with R100 000 to drop rape charges. However, Morweng spokesperson, Charles Matlou refuted the allegations.
“As had been indicated in a media statement we issued then, Morweng had called on all to allow the law to take its course. There is no truth at all in the insinuations that Morweng interfered in this matter.”
The Guardian 