Former Okhahlamba Speaker and ex-councillor, Sthembiso Zulu, who is currently working as a sports officer under the Okhahlamba Municipality, has pleaded not guilty to the rape of a 17-year-old.
Zulu (40) appeared before the Bergville Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 1 December, for a bail application. Wearing a yellow soccer shirt, Zulu stood in the courtroom which was filled to capacity with representatives from various political parties and family members of the victim, as he told the state, during his bail hearing, that everybody knows that this is just a political attack on him, his family and his reputation.
Outside the court, members of the EFF, the IFP Women’s Brigade, ANC and DA picketed and told The Ladysmith Herald that bail must not be granted. “I’m pleased that justice has finally been served,” said Councillor Thys Janse van Rensburg for the DA uThukela Chairperson.
Cllr Janse van Rensburg, who had joined other supporters, said that the DA will use this time to provide support to the alleged victim and her family during this difficult and troubling time. “We are encouraged by the victim’s bravery for being able to stand up for her rights and fighting to bring this alleged sex offender to book.”
During Zulu’s time, in 2020, the DA brought two motions of no confidence in him as the Speaker when similar allegations were made. Zulu said that this is not the first time that he has been arrested for rape and the matter was withdrawn at the time.
Zulu has, since then, stepped down as the Speaker and councillor and was later re-employed by Okhahlamba Municipality as a sports officer. Zulu is engaged in making sure that local teams are assisted with tournaments being played in other areas, which includes transporting the teams.
While the state argues that Zulu should not be released on bail, he continued to say that he had done nothing wrong and that both complainants were old enough to be in sexual relationships.
“Unfortunately, he was able to use the support of his then-majority ANC caucus and the power and influence of his office to circumvent and defeat the motions of no confidence,” said Cllr Janse van Rensburg, who added that despite these serious allegations made in the first arrests, Zulu was back and working for the Okhahlamba Local Municipality.
Picketers outside the court said that they were shocked when they heard that he had been employed as a sports officer. “He gets to work for long hours with many young girls, how are we supposed to keep our daughters safe?”
Women of the IFP Women’s Brigade and the ANC Women’s League were also among those picketing outside the court. “Our hearts are breaking to know that someone like this is hurting our girl children.”
The DA will write to the MEC of CoGTA, Sihle Zikalala, to raise their concerns on Zulu’s appointment in the employment of the now OPEMA-run Okhahlamba Municipality and call for his immediate suspension. The bail judgement will be held on 7 December and Zulu will remain in police custody until then.
