The City of Cape Town may suspend the senior official who appeared in court this week on a charge of raping a 13-year-old girl in Strandfontein, pending his bail application. Various politicians have spoken out to condemn the official’s behaviour.
Sub-council 23 manager Raphael Martin was formally charged with the rape of a 13-year-old girl, who is believed to be a family friend, on Monday, June 21. The case has been postponed to June 29 when he may apply for bail.
The City has made a statement condemning Martin’s actions and says they are considering immediate suspension pending the bail application.
“The City is considering immediate suspension subject to the bail application. Should the bail application be granted then the City will serve the employee with immediate suspension proceedings. While the suspect is in police custody the City does not have to suspend the employee as such imprisonment is automatically without pay or benefits,” said Priya Reddy, City spokesperson.
Local politicians and representatives have also spoken out about the sub-council manager’s actions.
“It is with great disappointment and disgust that I learned that the sub-council manager for sub-council 23, Raphael Martin, was arrested for the rape of a minor. I wish to condemn this action with the contempt it deserves,” said ward councillor Elton-Enrique Jansen.
“It is a proven fact that most sexual offenders are known to their victims and it is always someone you least expect. I was in total conflict with myself since I heard the news because I worked very closely with the accused. I never expected this action from someone who holds a senior position within the City of Cape Town and Sub-Council 23.”
Jansen says he supports the victim’s family and hopes justice takes its course.
ANC Western Cape coordinator Ronalda Nalumango has also condemned former ANC combatant Martin’s actions, saying they are “a betrayal of the ethos, values and principles of the ANC.”
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