The DA in the Western Cape has implied that sexual harassment charges against Marius Fransman may have been dropped to keep the ANC in the province united behind Jacob Zuma.
The Democratic Alliance yesterday demanded that the ANC clarify Fransman’s position, after he was asked to step aside as the party’s Western Cape leader following the allegations.
Provincial Deputy Democratic Alliance Leader, Bonginkosi Madikizela, said in a statement: “The DA believes the ANC is trying to sneak him in through the back door and that is why they have yet to reveal their ethics committee’s findings against him.”
Louisa Wynand, 21, has accused Fransman of sexually harassing her in a hotel room in January, while they were on their way to the ANC’s birthday celebrations in Rustenburg.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dropped the charges against Fransman due to a lack of evidence.
The DA wants the NPA to publicise the reasons for its decisions.
Fransman told Daily Voice this week he believes his absence was weakening the ANC’s position in the Cape in the run-up to local elections on August 3.
Madikizela said yesterday: “It’s no secret that since Marius Fransman has been suspended, the ANC’s national leadership has failed to keep the party’s Western Cape structure united. It would be unfortunate if Fransman were to get off scot-free in an effort to keep the party’s Western Cape structures united behind Jacob Zuma.”
ANC Western Cape spokesperson, Yonela Diko, accused the DA of trying to score cheap political points.
“This has been the race to the bottom in the DA politics as they continue to empty what politics they may have had into a tabloid organisation. Their message is clear. If you can’t present superior politics, look for a scandal.”
Diko said the party was still dealing with Fransman’s matter.