CAPE TOWN - Police are investigating a case of sexual assault against DA proportional representation (PR) councillor candidate Unathi Lasiti, after a former woman colleague alleged he tried to “force himself“ on her in 2015.
Police confirmed they were investigating the matter and said no arrests had been made.
“Woodstock police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a sexual assault case. The suspect is yet to be arrested. The investigation into the matter continues,” police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said.
The woman, whose name is being withheld for fear of victimisation, said while working as a volunteer for an organisation in Observatory in 2015, Lasiti had the responsibility to pick her up for work and return her home safely afterwards.
On the evening of June 28, 2015, she alleged she was woken up to Lasiti “pulling up her skirt and trying to force himself on her“, when her house-mates were out.
“I was shouting, crying, and cursing. I was beyond shocked. He then started apologising ... saying that he didn’t know I would have an issue with this,” she said.
Lasiti denied the allegations, adding that he found the timing of the allegations “extremely concerning”.
“I have been made aware through the media of the complaint lodged against me by a colleague who I worked with in 2015. I find it strange that the complaint has only now been lodged when I am now running for PR councillor for the Democratic Alliance.
“I reserve my rights and remain innocent until proven guilty,” Lasiti said.
The 30-year-old woman, who first lodged a complaint with DA provincial leader Albert Fritz this year, said she was coming forward now because she is “ready and stronger” to speak out about the alleged incident.
“I must come forward and report this because I need each and everyone out there experiencing violence to know that they are not alone and that their voice matters and it will be heard,” she said.
DA provincial chairperson Jaco Londt said the case must be reported to the SAPS.
“The Western Cape leadership immediately referred the matter and it was pointed out that Democratic Alliance is not a criminal investigative body and has no powers to investigate the alleged incident. All persons accused of a crime have the right to be presumed innocent until they have been found guilty by a court of law,” he said.
Chief whip of the ANC in the legislature, Pat Lekker called for the DA to remove Lasiti from its list.
“The allegations are of a serious nature and the DA should be worried to have a candidate that has a cloud hanging over his head,” Lekker said.
Cape Times