Bantom denies child porn claim
2000-09-14 09:17
Cape Town - Cape Metropolitan Council mayor William Bantom who was expelled
from the New National Party on Tuesday after he was caught watching
porn on the internet in his office, on Thursday denied he had ever
viewed child porn.
In a statement, Bantom refuted claims by Western Cape premier
Gerald Morkel that officials had caught him viewing at least one
site which involved children performing sexual acts with adults.
"It is true that I saw some pornography on the internet, but I
would never watch child porn -- I find it morally repugnant," said
Bantom, an ordained church minister.
"I must also make it quite clear that I have not been involved in
inappropriate behaviour involving children."
Bantom, who has chaired the CMC since its 1996, is spending time
with his family after the shock announcement on Tuesday that he had
been ordered to resign from the NNP. He has also quit his mayoral
post.
"People must understand that this experience has been extremely
traumatic for me and that I am in no state to speak to the media at
the moment.
"When I feel more composed, I will call a news conference at which
the media will be able to ask me questions and I will be able to
give my side of the story," Bantom said.
He said he appreciated the many phone calls of encouragement and
prayers which he had received.
"It is in times like these that a person realises how much you are
appreciated," Bantom said.
- Sapa.
- SAPA