IOL News reports that the former deputy mayor of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, Mlandeli Abednico Nyuka, has been sentenced to five years direct imprisonment for sexually assaulting an employee who worked in Nyuka’s office.

He was convicted and sentenced in the Oudtshoorn Magistrate’s Court. Provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Eric Ntabazalila, pointed out this was Nyuka’s second conviction and sentencing for sexual assault, using the same modus operandi. The court heard Nyuka called the victim into his office, locked the door before trying to manipulate her by stating he would ensure she received a promotion at work. He then lifted her dress and touched her private parts without permission. Nyuka’s office phone rang and he answered it, which gave the woman a chance to get out of his office and run outside. During the trial, Nyuka dismissed the allegations against him and claimed the victim was part of a different faction of the Suid-Kaap Saamstaan political party, which had petitioned the high court to have him removed from the party. Magistrate Sylvia Mandla found Nyuka was not a good witness and that he fabricated evidence. She found he abused his seniority to obtain sexual favours.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Robin-Lee Francke at IOL News
• Read too, 'Sexual predator who abused his position': Ex-Oudtshoorn mayor jailed for sexual assault, at News24
• Lees ook, Oud-onderburgemeester gevonnis oor seksuele aanranding, by Maroela Media

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page