Cape Town - The Wynberg resident who was assaulted by DA councillor Ian Iversen last year has queried allegations that the DA caucus may have intervened in the disciplinary process and advised its councillors to vote against a decision to have Iversen expelled.
Darron Araujo wrote to Speaker Dirk Smit and head of the disciplinary committee Anthea Serritslev after he was informed that the committee had “unanimously” decided on expulsion, only to amend their vote after being instructed to do so by the DA caucus.
It is this amended decision that will now go to council for a decision, possibly at the end of the month.
Iversen was charged with misconduct after he was involved in an altercation with Araujo during a visit to a Claremont property in April last year.
Cellphone footage of the incident showed Iversen smacking Araujo with papers before shoving his fist into his throat.
Councillor Liz Brunette, who was also involved in the fracas, was found guilty of misconduct in December last year. She was accused of telling Araujo to “f*** off” during the incident.
Although Brunette was formally “reprimanded” for her behaviour at the end of last year, Iversen’s matter remained unresolved.
Smit confirmed that the disciplinary committee had made a finding, but that the recommendation was confidential. It would be referred to the council for a final decision.
He added that the DA caucus was not involved in this process and could not influence the decision.
Cape Argus