The African National Congress (ANC) Interim Provincial Working Committee (IPWC) on Sunday said it has suspended the membership of rape accused Councillor TR Manganye.
Manganye, who is a councillor in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, North West, recently appeared at Mogwase Magistrate court on charges of statutory rape.
The matter was postponed to 17 August 2021 for further investigations.
“Whilst the IPWC believes in the legal principle of presumption of innocence, the charges that Cde Manganye faces are of a grave nature and have a potential to harm the integrity of the organisation,” said a statement issued by ANC in the North West.
“The ANC has always asserted that the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence and the abuse of children must be intensified and must become a societal preoccupation.”
The IPWC said the suspension of Manganye was in the best interest of the organisation.
Manganye has further been directed to step aside from all the activities of the organisation until his name is cleared by the courts of law.
The statement said Manganye may not represent the organization publicly or in any other forum.
Manganye’s suspension will be in effect pending the finalisation of his court matter.
“Furthermore, we urge Cde Manganye to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their investigations,” said the statement.
“We reaffirm our confidence in the ability of our courts to administer justice without fear, favour or prejudice.”
