Cape Town - A senior Oudtshoorn municipal official is expected to appear in the town’s magistrate’s court on Monday for allegedly sexual assaulting a colleague whom he apparently promised a higher post.
Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the Oudtshoorn Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) was investigating after the 37-year-old employee approached the police.
“It is alleged the suspect accosted the victim in his office at about 9am on Tuesday, September 27, promising her a higher position and touched the complainant inappropriately.
“The investigation led to the arrest of a 40-year-old suspect. He remains in custody and is expected to make his first court appearance in the Oudtshoorn Magistrate’s Court on October 3 (today) on the charge.”
Oudtshoorn Municipality did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.
Activist and rape survivor, Reverend June Dolley-Major, said the justice system should send a clear message that harassment in the workplace will not be tolerated.
“An example needs to be made of those who abuse their power. This happens too often in the workplace.
Men target women in need of a job, dependent on it for their livelihood ... They then harass, molest, abuse or rape, relying on the fact that their victims need their jobs to provide for their families.
The harder we come down on perpetrators, the better. It will send a clear message to others. He should also be named.”
Cape Times