EFF slams ANC for supporting former MP who allegedly raped daughters

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemned the African National Congress (ANC) for supporting a PEC and former Mpumalanga MEC who stands accused of the rape of his eight-year-old twin daughters.

The man whose identity has been withheld for the protection of his daughters appeared in court on Thursday 1 October for a bail application.   

EFF CONDEMNS ANC’S SUPPORT FOR MEMBER WHO ALLEGEDLY RAPED HIS DAUGHTERS

The EFF, in a statement on Thursday, said it was alarming to see members of the ANC in front of the court demanding that the perpetrator be granted bail. 

“The fact that during a scourge of gender-based violence and femicide, members of the party tasked with governing this country can defend such inhumane acts reveals to us that there is no consistence or commitment to protect the women and children of this country by the ANC. The ANC must be seen in its rightful name as the African National Conduit for Rape,” it said. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Mpumalanga said it would be opposing bail for the 48-year-old. Spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said one of the girls had told a teacher about the alleged incidents.

“She indicated that the same thing was also happening to her sister. The teacher then alerted the police and the cases were opened.”

The EFF said ANC members entered into a physical altercation with their members in Mpumalanga who were picketing against bail being granted to the perpetrators. The accused is reported to have been handcuffed together with his 26-year-old stepson.

“It must be made clear that there is no member of the ruling party who could act without mandate in defending this rapist. The defence of a man who has robbed his daughters of their right to safety and caused deep harm while tasked with being their guardian is treasonous and must be condemned harshly,” it said. 

“In the ranks of the African National Conduit for Rape, namely its branches, there is clearly no regard for the lives and dignity of the girl child. That is why they can picket boldly in defence of an animal while wearing the colours of one of the oldest liberation movements in the continent. A movement which has become the spear and shield that traumatises all forms of possible black life. Today the spear has raped and stood firm against the efforts to fight gender-based violence,” it added. 

RAMAPHOSA CALLS FOR AN END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

While the EFF has blasted the ANC for its stance on gender-based violence, President Cyril Ramphosa has called on governments represented at the United Nations General Assembly to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

Ramaphosa was speaking during a virtual high-level meeting to mark the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women convened by the United Nations General Assembly.

“This session should have, as part of its outcomes, a strong commitment to end all forms of violence against women and girls – be it domestic violence, femicide, sexual abuse, child marriage or female genital mutilation,” he said. 

The ANC in Mpumalanga also reacted to the case saying it stands with the victims. 

“The ANC in Mpumalanga province has learned with serious shock and anger of the allegations of rape levelled against a PEC member of the ANC in the province,” said ANC acting provincial secretary, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali.

“The ANC stands with the victims and complainants in this case and assures them that it will do all in its might for justice to be served. We also wish to let them know that the ANC-led government has established different institutions to support victims of rape and all types of gender-based violence and they should feel free to approach those institutions.”