Councillors exonerated over 'racist toilet sign' following lie detector test: DA

A group of Nelson Mandela Bay councillors at the centre of an alleged racist incident have been exonerated following lie detector tests.

The four – Ward 40 councillor Jason Grobbelaar‚ PR councillor Sebenzile Rafani and ward assistants Mzingizi Vandala and Antoinette Hermanus – had to undergo polygraph tests facilitated by an independent service provider following outrage over a racially divisive notice which called for “non-whites” to use a separate toilet at Port Elizabeth’s Kuyga Community Hall.

• DA accuses ANC of sabotage over racist toilet signsA racially divisive notice, which called for “non-whites” to use a separate toilet at Port Elizabeth’s Kuyga Community Hall, has infuriated residents, who are demanding answers from their Ward 40 councillor, Jason Grobbelaar. 

Chief whip in council‚ Werner Senekal said the tests – conducted by a labour law specialist – “confirmed that the comprehensive psycho-physiological analysis resulted in a conclusion that no deception was indicated and that all answers were truthful”.

“After having also conducted my own investigation‚ I have concluded that no DA councillor or support staff member was involved or had any knowledge of posting the sign on the doors at the Kuyga Community Centre‚” Senekal said.

“All three ANC members who were asked to take polygraph tests declined to do so‚ which lends credence to the allegations that they were responsible for placing these signs at the community hall.”

Senekal said former mayoral committee member Thembinkosi Mafana‚ an ANC member who was allegedly involved in the “non-whites” toilet saga‚ had a “history of deception and lies‚ having misrepresented himself‚ so it is alleged‚ as the Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay on a trip to China in 2013”.

“This is simply another example of the ANC using devious tactics in an attempt to prevent services from being delivered to the people of this Metro.

“This new administration remains committed to improving the lives of residents through clean‚ efficient governance. The ward 40 office will remain open and our work will continue‚ uninterrupted‚” Senekal said.

“It is our understanding that the SAPS investigation is ongoing and we will cooperate entirely until the suspect/s is/are identified‚ charged and prosecuted.”