A high-ranking member of the provincial SA Municipal Workers Union is wanted in connection with the alleged rape of a shop steward in Molteno at the weekend.

While the provincial police did not respond to queries, Samwu PEC member Victor Totolo confirmed the alleged incident. The query was sent to the police on Monday morning.

Totolo said Samwu had received reports of their member's appearance in court. Police did not confirm that the member had been arrested, but the Dispatch understands that the member will appear in court on Thursday.

Asked what the next step would be, Totolo said: “To convene an urgent PEC so that the PEC deals with the issue, as this kind of behaviour is alien and foreign to Samwu's modus operandi.

“As Samwu, in all of our structures, rape and gender-based violence are condemned with the contempt they deserve. We therefore distance ourselves from such an untoward conduct.”

Totolo said the matter would be tabled before the next PEC meeting to decide on the fate of the member. The Dispatch has withheld the member's name.

DispatchLIVE