Some people are lobbying hard for my suspension, says Fransman

09 January 2016 - 16:59 By Jenna Etheridge
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Marius Fransman. File photo
Marius Fransman. File photo
Image: Sunday Times

ANC Western Cape chairperson Marius Fransman says he is aware that people are lobbying hard for his suspension.

In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday he said, “… As I always maintained I am a man of the organisation and I will always abide by the movement’s wishes, whatever that would be,” he said.

“So moenie opgewonde raak nie. Wees kalm.” [So don’t get excited. Be calm.]

A sexual harassment complaint was laid against him at a police station in Rustenburg, North West, on Tuesday.

His Facebook friends offered their support and questioned the timing of the complaint.

Fransman asked his supporters on the Facebook post not to attack the complainant.

“I don't believe when anyone shows support to me it is necessary to attack the alleged victim (whether there were ulterior motives on her part or not). So please don't do such. [sic]”

Earlier on Friday, Fransman said he knew the woman who had laid the complaint against him, but denied harming her in any way.

He and the woman were driving with two other people from Cape Town to Rustenburg for the ANC's 104th anniversary celebrations. The woman was a companion of one of the other passengers, he said in a statement.

At the time he described the woman's action as "low", saying there was more to the allegations than met the eye.

"As a seasoned politician I expect these kinds of malicious attacks on my integrity. This is unfortunately one of the lowest levels that people can stoop to."

He asked for the public to give police officers investigating the matter space to do their work.

"I will pursue all available avenues to clear my name and protect my integrity," he said.

Provincial party officials are set to meet at their Cape Town office at 10:00 on Monday to discuss the matter, spokesperson Yonela Diko told News24 on Saturday.

“I will release a statement thereafter on the decisions taken, if any.”

Source: News24

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