CAPE TOWN, January 31 (ANA) – The African National Congress in the Western Cape on Sunday condemned Beaufort West mayor Truman Prince’s “lapse in judgement… in his misguided efforts to raise funds for the work of the ANC”.
The ANC had proper guidelines on how any of its structures and leaders should raise funds for its work and Prince, as a leader and a mayor, was fully aware of these guidelines, a statement issued by ANC Western Cape provincial executive committee media and communications head Jabu Mfusi said.
“The ANC further acknowledges the new allegations that are leveled at Prince in relation to assaulting an officer, and in its scheduled meeting with Prince will receive a proper and detailed feedback on these matters and what steps are necessary.
“The ANC expects the highest level of discipline and dedication from its leaders and members, steeped in its constitution, policies, and guidelines,” the statement said.
Earlier on Sunday, Democratic Alliance national spokeswoman Phumzile van Damme said the DA had laid a charge of corruption against Prince for “blatantly attempting to bend procurement processes so that some of the proceeds could go toward the ANC’s election campaign in Beaufort West”.
She also said the DA could confirm that other charges recently laid against Prince were for the assault of a female traffic police officer.
“The DA has also learned that video footage of the incident exists and that it will be used against mayor Prince in criminal proceedings. A doctor’s report of the bad injuries sustained by the female officer will also serve as evidence during the criminal proceedings.”
Assault charges – for which the DA had the case number – were laid against Prince for allegedly assaulting the female uniformed officer in Leeu Gamka, near Beaufort West, after having been pulled over for speeding.
“Mr Prince had allegedly been travelling in a vehicle registered to Safa [SA Football Association], on whose executive board he serves,” Van Damme said.
This was but the latest in a string of scandals in which Prince was central.
“It is shameful that an individual with such a record of criminality could be in a position of public office, not to mention the ANC executive mayor of a large town. The ANC in Luthuli House must immediately suspend Truman Prince and stop protecting criminal conduct,” Van Damme said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
