Marius Fransman is not off the hook yet.
A fresh social media scandal is adding to the ANC Western Cape’s leader’s latest legal woes.
Yesterday, cops revealed that Fransman is still being investigated for allegedly sexually harassing a female employee.
This after “new evidence” emerged, in the form of flirty phone messages that Fransman allegedly sent Louisa Wynand, 21, from his cellphone.
The Daily Maverick reported that it was in possession of damning WhatsApp messages, sent days before Wynand travelled with Fransman to Rustenburg in January, where he was to attend ANC anniversary celebrations.
In one message, sent after Wynand said she was going to take a shower before meeting the driver, he reportedly replied: “Make urself hot for trip!!”
Fransman, who was asked by the ANC to step aside while the matter was being investigated, would neither confirm or deny that he wrote the messages.
“Having looked at the Daily Maverick article and the sustained subjective leaking of information to masquerade as new evidence, I still maintain the North West DPP decision was the correct one not to prosecute,” he told the Daily Voice yesterday.
The North West Department of Public Prosecutions decided to drop charges against Fransman last month due to a lack of evidence.
Fransman’s lawyer Mushtak Parker says they found it “perplexing” that a different decision could be possible.
But the matter was still being investigated by the Northern Cape police because the alleged sexual assault took place at the Road Lodge hotel in Kimberley before they travelled to the North West.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Mooi says: “I can confirm that we are currently investigating a case of sexual assault.”
Fransman maintains he is innocent until proven guilty.
“I’ve stated from the beginning that I’m not guilty of alleged assault or of sexual harassment. I also said from January 2016 that the law must take its course.
“If they want to prosecute, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later, as the continued trial by media has the sole intention to harm me.”
NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku says once the charge sheet and investigation is completed, the NPA will decide whether or not to take the case further.
Louisa’s spokesman Gavin Prins says she’s relieved the matter is going ahead.
He said: “Out of respect for the investigation, she will not speak to the media anymore regarding this matter. I can confirm the WhatsApp messages between Louisa and Marius during the time of the incident are indeed those published by the Daily Maverick.”
Some of the alleged exchanges between Fransman and Wynand on WhatsApp:
In the WhatsApp messages dated January 3 , 2016, Louisa discusses her new job with “Fransman” as well as relocating from Stellenbosch to Cape Town.
Fransman also discusses the trip to Rustenberg.
Fransman: “Kewl. then c tomrow” followed immediately by “also it is hot that side. informal gear and sensual.”
Louisa: “Okay got it!!” Fransman responds with a smiley face emoticon.
He then refers to her boyfriend: “Forgot to ask. Pl don’t tell your bf you working fr me. Don’t need jealous guys around.”
She replies: “hes not that type and ill handle my personal life very discreetly, I dont mix business with pleasure either, so don’t worry I know how to handle it.”
To which Fransman reportedly responds: “Good... but hey there will be pleasure in business?”
Louisa says: “I know yes!!”
Fransman then types: “Why u say that?”
Louisa says: “Because im not going to be working on ur political level u hired me for the hospitality level and thats considered fun for me cos I love what I do.