The ANC should do much more than just suspend someone from “taking part in the life of the movement” when caught red-handed sexually abusing minors and abusing their position for sexual favours.
According to reports Tebogo Sepale, an ANC ward councillor from Matlosane in the North West Province sent 15-year-old boys pictures of his genitals and engaged them in sexual acts, caught on video. Since his arrest, other men and women have spoken out about Sepale’s abuse of power when employing people. Further reports indicate that his employer was aware of his “unbecoming, uncultured” behaviour but only acted on it now.
“If the ANC does not immediately fire Sepale, they are, in fact, funding and condoning the sexual abuse of minors,” said Tshepi Mmekwa, Action Centre coordinator at Action Society. “We want to know why he was not adequately vetted before his appointment and why the ANC only acted after his deeds went public. We will do our best to support his victims and to ensure he is removed from a position where he can harm minors or abuse his power.
Action Society has long campaigned that violent criminals should not be considered for public office and that perpetrators of violence against children should not receive bail. Support us in these campaigns.
