Deputy Minister sparks sexual assault investigation
A home meeting allegedly involving a banana dispute has ignited an investigation amidst allegations against a Deputy Minister.
In a surprising turn of events, a home meeting involving a banana dispute has ignited an investigation amidst allegations against a Deputy Minister.
A parliamentary staff member has accused Deputy Health Minister Sibongiseni Dhlomo of sexual assault, alleging the incident happened at Dhlomo’s Rondebosch home last month.
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Dhlomo, however, denied the allegations, attributing the dispute to the man taking a banana from his fruit bowl. Both the police and parliament’s ethics committee are currently investigating the case, according to TimesLIVE.
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A DISPUTE OVER A BANANA LED TO THE DEPUTY MINISTER’S ASSAULT PROBE
Dhlomo, in his ethics body submission, claimed his safety was compromised on the night he met the man at Parliament and later at home.
They spoke because the complainant had previously called him about the National Health Insurance(NHI), and he had agreed to discuss it. The Deputy Minister admitted to sending him R500 for fuel.
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At his residence, they talked about the NHI for a brief 10 minutes before his guest asked to use the kitchen. Dhlomo followed and discovered him standing near his open refrigerator.
This led to a disagreement, during which the researcher stated he was hungry. Dhlomo explained, “He grabbed a banana from my fruit basket.” Consequently, he escorted him out of the house, and the visitor did not resist.
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INVESTIGATIONS ARE ONGOING, AS CONFIRMED
Colonel André Traut, the spokesperson for Western Cape police, confirmed the report of a sexual assault case and ongoing investigation.
Foster Mohale, the spokesperson for the National Department of Health, declared that Deputy Minister Dr. Dhlomo is treating these allegations seriously. He will refrain from making public statements to prevent any interference with the investigation process.
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On Monday, Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests verified receiving a complaint about Dhlomo. Co-chairpersons Bekizwe Nkosi and Lydia Moshodi discussed the complaint during a meeting on October 20.
Co-chairpersons Bekizwe Nkosi and Lydia Moshodi stated that they discussed the complaint on October 20.
“Furthermore, the speaker has taken steps to ensure a supportive environment for the alleged victim by directing that the administration of Parliament immediately arrange professional counseling.
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In light of the fact that the person against whom a complaint is made is also a member of the Executive, the speaker has also informed the president,” he said.
The Presidency stated that due processes will be allowed to unfold, and the outcome of the investigations will be awaited.