Sex scandal threatens MEC

2010-02-12 10:07

Maygene de Wee

Cape Town - The political future of advocate Lennit Max, the Western Cape MEC for community safety, is currently in the balance due to an alleged extra-marital affair.

A few hours after the news broke on Thursday, Max, who is from Uitenhage, announced that he had asked Western Cape Premier and DA leader, Helen Zille, for permission to go on leave. She approved his request.

Provincial DA leader, Theuns Botha, confirmed that Max was on leave. "My colleague has decided to go on leave because of the allegations. I think it is in the interest of the party."

Botha confirmed that there would be an investigation into Max's alleged relationship.

The tabloid newspaper Son reported on Thursday that a former police clerk, Belinda Petersen, 33, from Manenberg in Cape Town, claimed that she and Max had had a sexual relationship three years ago.

They apparently met in his office, at home and at a local hotel.

Max and his wife, Farouz, have apparently been married for more than 20 years.

Allegations 'devoid of all truth'

Max said the allegations against him were devoid of all truth. He was going on leave because he was unable to give his full attention to the very important portfolio of community safety due to the cloud hanging over him.

"My first responsibility must be the safety of the people of the Western Cape and the fight against crime."

He wanted to use the opportunity to clear his name. Meanwhile, several DA members who wanted to remain anonymous, expressed disapproval about the alleged sexcapades of one of their leaders.

A Cape Town councillor told Die Burger that there had been rumours on Wednesday that Zille had asked Max to resign. This could not be confirmed. The councillor said he felt sorry for Max's family, especially his wife.

Several other DA members said he would have to step down from his position if the allegations were true. One said he didn't want a colleague who was guilty of something like this. "How can we rail against (President Jacob) Zuma's behaviour if we allow something like this in our midst?"

Election coming up

A friend of Max and former DA councillor from Malmesbury, Deon Slade, said he knew Max wouldn't commit such transgressions. "You have to remember there is an election battle coming. Outside forces are at work."

Max was recently in the news when he fired his spokesperson, Julian Jansen. At the time, there were rumours that he had spied on some of his employees by placing pens with cameras in their offices.

Max said at the time that the disciplinary steps taken against Jansen were related only to work. He threatened to sue for slander should anyone imply otherwise.

Max did not respond to SMSes or calls on Thursday. According to his statement, Zille would manage his duties.

Zille on Thursday attended the opening of Parliament and did not respond to messages.

- Die Burger