The woman who accused Marius Fransman of sexual assault says she feels disappointed that her alleged attacker “was let off the hook”.
Director of Public Prosecutions spokesman, Frank Lesenyego, confirmed that the North West Province’s DPP chose not to prosecute the matter due to insufficient evidence.
Louisa Wynand released a statement through her publicist yesterday conveying her shock at the latest turn of events.
She went into hiding after accusing the African National Congress’ Provincial Chairperson of sexual assault, while they were on a trip to the party’s 104th birthday celebrations in Rustenburg in January.
She worked as his personal assistant at the time.
Fransman has denied the allegations, but was asked by the ANC to “step aside” while investigations took place.
The 21-year-old from Stellenbosch, who is an aspiring singer, says she received the news via a WhatsApp message last Thursday.
She says in her statement: “I am shocked and disappointed at the outcome of the investigation. My life has changed so much because of this incident and has affected not only me but my family and close friends.
“I, together with my legal team, am confident that I gave the police enough evidence relating to the charges I brought against Fransman.
“I am confused as to why they say there is not enough evidence. But I will not take this lying down. I have met with my legal team to discuss my options. And I will exercise my rights. I plan to take a few steps this week of which I will inform the public.”
The young woman has also decided to reveal her identity to save others from the “same fate”.
“I believe that this is my journey and if this is the universe using me to reach out to other victims of sexual assault, then so it shall be,” she adds.
Yesterday, Fransman said he was “relieved” by the DPP’s decision.
“I want to thank the public, the religious leaders who were victimised for praying for me as well as the ordinary people who did not choose sides but simply stood by me,” he says.
ANC spokesman Yonela Diko told the Daily Voice they were unaware of the DPP’s decision, and would only communicate once they received official word from national party leaders.
Asked whether this meant Fransman would return to his post as provincial leader, Diko said: “The NDC [National Disciplinary Committee] is meeting at the end of the month but we don’t know if his matter will be on the agenda.”