Johannesburg - ActionSA says it has taken note of attempted rape allegations levelled at one of its leaders, Abel Tau.
According to the Sunday World report, Tau will be making a court appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in March 2023 after the National Prosecuting Authority took a decision to formally charge him with attempted rape.
The case was opened at the Akasia police station in Pretoria on September 16. Tau is believed to have tried to rape his friend’s wife sometime in September.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Action South national chairperson Michael Beaumont said the party takes these allegations very seriously and will launch its own investigation on the matter.
"ActionSA has noted concerning media reports relating to serious allegations levelled against Councillor Abel Tau.
At this point, we can confirm that the disciplinary process initiated by ActionSA’s Senate is well underway and that all parties have expressed an interest in the matter being expedited," Beaumont said.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo also confirmed that "a case of sexual assault was opened at Akasia Police Station in September 2022."
"A warning statement was obtained from the suspect, and witnesses’ statements were also obtained. The docket was then taken to a senior public prosecutor for a decision. The court has since issued a summons for the suspect to appear before the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court in March 2023.
Disciplinary proceedings against Tau have since been launched, with the party having already suspended him.
"Our disciplinary panel has indicated that the matter will be concluded this week, after which ActionSA would be at liberty to communicate a finding.
"ActionSA, in particular, is seized by the urgency of coming to a determination on this matter. Allegations of this nature are extraordinarily serious, and organisations have a duty to ensure that findings are made and, where it is found necessary, the appropriate steps are taken," the party said.
The Star