An author and retired university professor has been arrested after allegedly addressing a female Observatory restaurant employee with a racial slur. He is also accused of making sexual advances on the woman.
A police case was opened against the professor, Leon de Kock, following the incident, and he has been charged with crimen injura. He appeared in court last week, and is still awaiting his next court date.
De Kock is the author of The Love Song of André P Brink, the professor’s very first major autobiography. He retired early from the University of Stellenbosch in 2015, and retains the title of Professor Emeritus in English Studies.
“A 62-year-old-man was arrested on Thursday, May 9, shortly after an incident of crimen injuria was reported to have been committed at a known restaurant in Lower Main Road, Observatory,” South African Police Services (SAPS) spokesperson FC Van Wyk said. “It has been alleged by the complainant that while a female employee was busy cleaning the restaurant, the suspect made racial and offensive remarks to her.”
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact investigating officer Constable Dumetri Onverwaght at the Woodstock police station on 0214862840, or anonymously Crime Line on 0800 10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
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