Cape Town - A senior official in the Matzikama Municipality has been placed on special leave following allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a woman, with a promise of offering her a job in the municipality.
This after the woman, whose name is being withheld for fear of victimisation, registered a criminal case with the police claiming the municipal manager, Gerald Seas, was avoiding her after promising her a job.
Police confirmed a rape case was registered on Tuesday but said the complainant had later indicated she wanted to withdraw the case.
Seas has refuted the allegations, saying he had no relationship with the woman and he never promised her a job.
In messages to Seas seen by the Cape Times, the 31-year-old said she felt used. “... I haven’t talked to anyone about it yet, but I feel like I can’t go on any day longer,” read part of the message.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi confirmed a case of rape was registered at Vredendal police station, adding that the complainant later indicated she wanted the case withdrawn.
“A 31-year-old female registered a case of rape on Tuesday with Vredendal police.
“She has since indicated that she would like to withdraw the case. The case docket will be presented to the State prosecutor for a decision,” said Swartbooi.
Seas has distanced himself from the allegations, claiming the woman was persuaded by certain individuals linked to a political party to open the rape case.
“The woman is known to me and is a friend to me. I spoke with her and asked her why she was doing this.
She went to the police station and withdrew the case. This whole thing is politically driven,” he said.
The woman declined to comment on Wednesday.
Matzikama Municipality mayor Johan van der Hoven said Seas had since been placed on special leave.
“The MM has agreed to take leave pending the outcome of the allegation.
The allegation is that there was a sexual relationship between the MM and the complainant in this matter, and an offer was made for a job.
“The police have now informed me that the complainant withdrew the case and we are now awaiting a formal factual report from the SAPS before further steps (are) considered,” he said.
ANC Matzikama caucus chief whip, Johan Muller, called for action to be taken against Seas.
MEC for Local Government Anton Bredell said: “We trust the municipality will proceed within the disciplinary rules for senior managers as appropriate for the new circumstances”.
Cape Times