An Eastern Cape traditional chief has been stripped of his duties and slapped with a decade-long suspension without pay after being found guilty of gross misconduct.
Chief Bhekabambo Ntola of the Amantshangase Traditional Council allegedly coerced a couple accused of adultery in his village to have sex during a traditional court hearing.
Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Xolile Nqatha, slapped the Chief with a 10-year suspension following the recommendations of a committee, set up to investigate the matter.
A criminal case has also been opened against him.
MEC Nqatha also ordered Chief Ntola to apologise to the complainants and their families as his conduct severely affected their emotional and psychological wellbeing and that of the community.
“It is clear from the report that Chief Ntola committed the act of misconduct which is a disgrace to the traditional leadership institution at large. I, therefore, agreed on the sanctions as recommended in the report.”
The MEC also directed the Chief to undergo counselling and to submit these reports to the department.
