Rape-accused envoy 'had affair'

2005-12-07 08:42

Erika Gibson

Pretoria - South Africa's envoy in Palestine, whose Philippine housekeeper in Ramala has accused him of rape, apparently had an affair with her.

It isn't known why she laid a charge of rape in this city. Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa confirmed on Tuesday that Foreign Affairs Director-General Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba had decided to recall Sisa Ncwana to South Africa until further notice.

Mamoepa said this step followed "certain allegations" against Ncwana. It has been learnt that Ncwana returned to South Africa on October 24. Mamoepa said Ncwana denied all the allegations against him in an interview with his seniors in the department.

"The department is busy examining how to take the matter further," said Mamoepa, adding that Ntsaluba would decide on Ncwana's future then.

21 charges of sexual harassment

It was learnt that the housekeeper and Ncwana had an affair while she worked for him. She is a local worker employed by foreign affairs and is still in the department's employ even though Ncwana has returned to South Africa.

Ncwana has been an ANC member since 1960 and served in various positions in Mkhonto Wesizwe after leaving SA in 1973 for fear of political prosecution.

Ncwana is the second South African envoy to be accused of sexual offences. Former South African ambassador to Indonesia Norman Mashabane was convicted of 21 charges of sexual harassment.

Lara Swart, his colleague, filed additional charges against him but Mashabane was acquitted by Dlamini-Zuma after being found guilty earlier in a departmental disciplinary hearing.

- Beeld