CAPE TOWN - Freedom Front (FF) Plus candidate for Sea Point, Paul Jacobson has defended himself against claims that he was part of a group that wants to drive homeless people out of the affluent area.
Jacobson told the Cape Times his views were misconstrued.
“There’s two opposing views, and that is where the real dilemma is; there is one group of community members, very few of whom support life on the street and encourage people to remain on the street and are opposed to using the services of the shelters.
“Myself and my community members belonging to my group, which represent the majority of residents who are living on the Atlantic Seaboard, are fully supportive of the shelters.
“I do everything in my power to engage with the vulnerable on the street and to encourage them to seek shelter. I don’t see them as less of a human being, however many people take advantage of the vulnerable for their political campaign, it is not true compassion, it is trying to get exposure and votes,” he said.
Jacobson said he was standing as a candidate because he loves his community and he wants to make a difference in his ward.
He also denied allegations that he was involved in the events leading up to the attack on Peter Wagenaar’s mini cooper which he used to feed the homeless. The vehicle was torched in early May last year.
Police said they have since closed the docket provisionally due to a lack of confirmed evidence.
“That accusation is absolutely outrageous and it comes from the same opponents or nemesis of myself and the community,” Jacobson said.
FF Plus provincial leader Dr Corné Mulder said allegations made against Jacobson have either been denied by him, or dealt with statements made by him before he was a member or candidate of the FF Plus.