Marius Fransman’s alleged “pimp”, gospel singer John Pretorius, claims he was forced at gunpoint to join a conspiracy to dethrone the ANC Western Cape Chairperson.
Pretorius, who performs as JPre, made the revelation to Fransman last week, saying he wanted to “come clean” with his friend and because he fears for both their lives.
“Marius, you are a friend of mine, I’m telling you these guys are serious, they will harm you,” he said on a recording of the meeting.
Fransman has always maintained the sexual harassment charges brought against him by 21-year-old Louisa Wynand during a trip to the ANC’s 104 birthday celebrations in January was a political plot to remove him from his position.
Pretorius alleges he was forced into the “plot” by the brother of his ex, police officer Ryan Langdon.
Pretorius states his children’s uncle was the one who helped Wynand lay charges against Fransman in Rustenberg.
“Because I know all the stories, as I was always with you [Marius] and they thought I was your pimp,” he said.
He claims Langdon threatened him with a gun, after he drove Wynand and Langdon to the house of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, who had supported Wynand.
But Langdon denied the allegations to the Weekend Argus, saying Wynand was a friend of his.
Pretorius also implicated Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom, who is chair of the ANC national disciplinary committee, saying he called him numerous times to make statements against Fransman.
Hanekom denied this and said Pretorius called him first: “John called me and explained that he was a family friend and wanted to assist the young woman and I told him ‘no you can’t get involved’.”