Emfuleni Mayor Resigns After Allegations Of Sexually Assaulting Girl of 14

Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayor Simon Mofokeng has handed in his resignation after allegations that he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl.

The Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements on Monday said MEC Paul Mashatile had accepted Mofokeng’s resignation as both the councillor and the mayor at the municipality in Sedibeng region.

He has been on special leave for the past three weeks and the municipality had to appoint an acting mayor.

Mofokeng has been placed on special leave and is being investigated following accusations of sexually assaulting and grooming a 14-year-old girl.

The MEC said Mofokeng’s resignation is consistent with the principle of accountability and allows government to focus on service delivery.

This, he said, will allow the former mayor to focus on serious matters confronting him.

“We respect Mofokeng’s resignation. We thank him for the work he has done in improving the lives of people of Emfuleni,” MEC Mashatile said.

The MEC said the department will undertake the task of filling the Mayor’s position.

“Any uncertainty in leadership may have an adverse effect on service delivery. Guided by relevant legislation we will be able to appoint a permanent mayor for Emfuleni Municipality. We call on the municipality to elect a permanent mayor.”

Source: SAnews.gov.za