Update
KNYSNA NEWS - The alleged assault involving two high-ranking Patriotic Alliance (PA) representatives went viral over the weekend on the PA's Facebook page with leader Gayton McKenzie spelling out all the details.
The altercation between the PA's Waleed Grootboom, a Knysna mayoral committee member, and Tiphany Harmse, an Eastern Cape PA MPL, was spelled out by McKenzie in a lengthy Facebook video post from Spain, where he attended a meeting as minister of sport.
He said Grootboom had stalked Harmse after their relationship had broken down and that he had been arrested.
Heated
The altercation was also described in a SAPS statement as "heated" with acknowledgement that "a 40-year-old man" was arrested for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence incident of housebreaking in one of the ministerial residences in Bisho last week.
McKenzie said Harmse had told him that Grootboom had spat in her face – and that she had spat back at him.
McKenzie confirmed that Grootboom will be relieved as the PA's mayoral candidate and mayoral committee member in Knysna.
Eastern Cape SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the arrest of a 40-year-old man.
Gantana said it is alleged that on Friday 11 April at around 23:00, the suspect, who is the ex-boyfriend of the complainant, allegedly unlawfully entered the house of the complainant and subsequently broke the bedroom door of the complainant.
Tiphany Harmse
"Moments later, it is said that the complainant arrived and found him inside and they had a heated argument.
"The suspect left the premises and was later traced and located at a fuel station in Qonce, where he was arrested," Gantana said.
"He is due to appear in the Zwelitsha Magistrate's Court on Monday 14 April on charges of housebreaking with the possibility of an additional charge at a later stage of the investigation."
Hiding
McKenzie said in his post that Grootboom, a rehabilitated criminal, was "sick" and needed help, which McKenzie said he would provide him.
McKenzie, also a rehabilitated criminal, said he had taken Grootboom under his wing and that he had been like a son to him.
In the post McKenzie also railed against gender-based violence (GBV) and called on his supporters - men and women - to refrain from assaulting each other and not to remain silent.
McKenzie said he had seen a video of the incident and would be speaking to Grootboom this week.
Harmse had told him she found Grootboom hiding behind a curtain. He said he wanted the money she owed him, and she gave it to him.
According to McKenzie, Harmse later told him that Grootboom had spat in her face - and that she spat back into his face.
Under the carpet
"We must support and protect our women. Nobody is perfect. But hitting a woman in this day and age - that I will never tolerate … I will never tolerate," McKenzie said.
"Waleed must pay the ultimate price that hits his pocket. He must be removed from positions.
"I believe every person can be rehabilitated. I'm going to assist him and get help for him. I'm making this [the FB post] live because we don't want to sweep it under the carpet.
"People must know men must not behave like that. I'm just sorry Tiphany had to go through this. Tiphany, I'm standing with you. This morning she said sorry to me. I said no, there's nothing to be sorry about. I'm glad that you're standing up for yourself."
'I love you both...'
"A woman must not suffer in silence… I'm here for you. And if there are any men in the PA … hitting a woman, tell me. I'm not scared of one of them. We are praying for you Tiphany, we stand by you…
"I'll take over with Waleed … he needs to be helped. I love both of you. As you know, I don't cancel people. I'm standing with Tiphany and I'm going to get help for Waleed.
"He's sick, he needs help…"
McKenzie also said in the post: "It breaks my heart. No woman in the PA must be assaulted and treated like she is nothing. We are here to protect our women.
"These women are carrying us in the PA. We are here to guide. I don't care what position you have in the PA … but if your woman comes out and says you have assaulted her, we will deal with you."
DA wants swift action
DA Knysna caucus leader Levael Davis called for swift action.
"The DA in Knysna calls on the South African Police Service and the justice system to act swiftly and decisively following the arrest of Patriotic Alliance Councillor Waleed Grootboom on charges of GBV [sic] against his former partner," Davis said.
"As public representatives, we are held to the councillors' code of conduct, and any form of violence against women represents a fundamental betrayal of the public trust.
"The scourge of GBV continues to plague our communities, and we cannot allow those in influential positions to perpetuate this national crisis.
"The DA remains committed to the rule of law and trust that the justice system will treat this case with the urgency it deserves. We sympathise with the victim and urge the relevant authorities to ensure her safety and provide the necessary support services."
A stand against GBV
Davis implored McKenzie and the PA to address this matter within their ranks "to ensure that those who commit this heinous crime have no place in South African politics".
"We call on all political parties in Knysna to join us in condemning GBV and implementing meaningful measures to protect women and children in our municipal area.
"Our communities deserve leadership that takes a decisive stand against GBV."
Read the previous articles:
Grootboom relieved of mayco duties | Knysna-Plett Herald
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