ANC in the North West says it’s investigating allegations that its Ward 4 councillor in Maboloka village in Madibeng Local Municipality, John Ratele, is an accused in an attempted murder case.
This after community members raised concerns that Ratele – who is also the ANC’s convenor of the Madibeng sub-region – is facing charges of attempted murder, arson, malicious damage to property and theft, allegedly committed last year.
Residents want the ANC to instruct Ratele to step aside as per the resolution adopted at its 54th National Conference.
ANC’s interim leadership provincial spokesperson, Kenny Morolong, told Newsnote that the party was not aware that Ratele is facing criminal charges.
“There are some among our candidates who deliberately chose not to declare their indictments. The ANC will have to investigate this matter and the step aside is explicit about those who are charged with serious crimes. Once we have a solid grasp and have gathered enough information on this development, we will make public necessary pronouncements,” Morolong said.
Ratele is expected to appear at the Brits Magistrates Court in December for a trial to start.
In October the ANC in Mpumalanga applied the step aside rule on its head of elections in the province Mandla Msibi, who was removed from a party position and fired as MEC for Agriculture after his arrest and formal charges.
Msibi is accused of murder and attempted murder and he’s currently out on a R20 000 bail after the case was postponed to December.