Marius Fransman's suspension upheld

Marius Fransman File picture: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media

Marius Fransman File picture: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media

Published Apr 20, 2017

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Cape Town – The ANC's national disciplinary committee (NDC) has expressed deep disappointment at controversial leader Marius Fransman for misleading the public by claiming he was cleared of the charges against him.

The party on Thursday confirmed its previous decision that Fransman was guilty on two counts of misconduct and his membership of the ANC should be suspended for five years.

“The NDC has further expressed its disappointment that Comrade Marius, as a senior leader, misled the public a few weeks ago that he was cleared by the ANC National Disciplinary Committee of Appeals (NDCA) whereas in truth the Appeal Committee made the point in its finding that the referral back to the NDC was being done on a point of procedure to protect the integrity of the ANC; not because of any procedural irregularity committed by the NDC or on a point of law raised by the charged member,” the committee said.

Fransman had slammed the NDC two weeks ago, saying it was “ biased and cannot be trusted”, adding that he would resume his responsibilities as the party's leader in the province after the the ANC’s national disciplinary committee of appeal’s (NDCA) referredhis matter case back to the national disciplinary committee.

The NDC had found Fransman guilty on two counts of misconduct – one for abusing his office for the purpose of attempting to obtain a sexual favour from Louisa Wynand, and another for making public statements which brought the ANC into disrepute. The NDC had last year found both charges against Fransman to be “very serious” and suspended his ANC membership.

It was reported that Wynand was allegedly “forced” to sleep next to Fransman in Kimberley while they were staying at a hotel, on their way to Rustenberg to celebrate the ANC's birthday. Fransman also allegedly touched her while two fellow passengers were seated in the back of the vehicle.

Acting chairperson Susan Shabangu said Fransman has denied himself a second opportunity to present his case and prove his innocence after he did not attending the NDC hearing scheduled Thursday

“In all the circumstances, the NDC was satisfied that Comrade Fransman was afforded a further opportunity of procedural fairness. He elected not to utilise it by not attending the scheduled hearing to present his evidence and that of his witness.”

Approached for comment, Fransman said he was in a meeting and requested to be sent an SMS.

Cape Times

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