Sexual offence charges against Strand CPF chairperson spark outrage

Concerns have been raised about the vetting processes for individuals serving on community structures following the arrest of the Strand Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson on multiple charges of sexual offences involving a minor.

Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the accused, aged 56, was remanded in custody following his appearance in the Strand Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

He is due to appear again on Thursday for a bail application. The State has indicated it will oppose bail.

"Police arrested the 56-year-old suspect on August 6, in connection with two counts of sexual assault levelled against him. He appeared in the Strand Magistrates’ court the same day. 

"Khayelitsha Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is probing a sexual assault case following an incident which allegedly happened on 3 June at the workplace of the suspect, whose name cannot be revealed due to the nature of the alleged offence," Pojie said.

"The initial case was registered at Strand SAPS and transferred to Gordon’s Bay SAPS as the alleged offence was perpetrated within their precinct."

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the accused faces charges of exposure or display of genital organs to a 15-year-old girl, two counts of compelled self-sexual assault, two counts of crimen injuria, and one count of sexual assault.

"I can confirm that a 56-year-old man, chairperson of the Strand CPF, appeared at the Strand Magistrate’s Court.

"He is charged with exposure, or display of causing exposure or display of genital organs to a minor (flashing), two counts of compelled self sexual assault (telling the minor to massage him to get aroused), two counts of crimes injuria (asking the minor to undress herself) and sexual assault (massaging her breast).

"The incidents happened between July 3 and the sexual assault happened on July 26. The State charged him under Schedule 5, which places the onus on him to prove that it is in the interest of justice to be released on bail. His case has been postponed until August 14 for a bail application."

The City of Cape Town District CPF Board and the Khayelitsha sub-district CPF Board issued a joint statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations.

The statement detailed that CPF structures would not make further public comment while the matter is under investigation, but stressed that due process would be followed in line with the CPF Uniformed Constitution.

“We have full confidence in the ongoing investigation and trust that the necessary authorities will deal with the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” the statement read.

“Appropriate action will be taken in line with our governing framework to ensure accountability, integrity, and the protection of the CPF’s role in community safety. We are deeply concerned by the nature of the allegations and take this opportunity to wish the alleged victim strength and healing on her recovery journey.”

Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais described the allegations as “reprehensible” and called for zero tolerance for any form of abuse.

“It is essential that only individuals of the highest moral standing and integrity serve on community structures like CPFs. I therefore commend the City of Cape Town District CPF Board and Khayelitsha Sub-District CPF Board for their urgency in dealing with this matter. The law must now take its course,” she said.

ANC caucus spokesperson for Police Oversight and Community Safety, and SACP provincial secretary in the Western Cape, Benson Ngqentsu said: “This incident… makes an argument that all kinds of people’s power structures are today infiltrated by criminal networks and people with historic criminal records.”

“I strongly condemn the incident and call on the South African Police Service to tighten their systems and ensure all those in the system are thoroughly vetted.”

Cape Times