Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development in the Matlosana Local Municipality, Wesley Kgang, says he will not step aside from his position unless instructed to do so by the African National Congress (ANC).
Kgang, a former ANC Youth League provincial and national spokesperson, said he is confident that he will successfully defend himself against allegations of driving under the influence of alcohol and will resume his duties on Tuesday.
He was arrested over the weekend on allegations of drunken driving, charges he has strongly denied.
“As far as I’m concerned, I am resuming duty first thing tomorrow morning (Tuesday). I have a multi-billion-rand solar plant project involving multiple companies here in the City of Matlosana. Our people are expecting to be employed, so I will be returning to work unless my party says otherwise,” said Kgang.
Speaking on YOU FM’s Newshour, Kgang insisted that he would not step aside and vowed to contest the charges in court.
“I will not be stepping aside. I will be responding to the alleged drunken driving charge I am facing, and I will defeat it in court,” he stressed.
Kgang briefly appeared in the Matlosana Traffic Court on Monday, where he was granted bail of R1,000. The matter was postponed to 18 February.
It is alleged that Kgang was stopped in the early hours of Saturday morning while driving a black sedan facing oncoming traffic in the Klerksdorp CBD and was allegedly intoxicated.
However, Kgang rejected claims that he was driving at the time of the incident.
“I have a permanent designated driver and a protector. I have not been behind the steering wheel for quite some time. There is no way I was driving, and I can confirm that,” he said.
He also denied allegations that he assaulted female traffic officers or resisted arrest.
“My parents, colleagues and comrades can attest that I am not a violent person. I would never raise my hand against any woman, including a traffic officer. I am raising two beautiful daughters and would never wish such behaviour on them,” Kgang said.
He explained that he had merely questioned the authority of traffic officers to arrest him, insisting he had not contravened any traffic laws.
Despite rejecting the allegations, Kgang said he fully supports the enforcement of traffic laws and stressed that no one is above the law.
“Nobody must drive under the influence of alcohol. It is not allowed, and anyone found guilty must be punished accordingly. The law must take its course,” he concluded.
