A Knysna councillor who was arrested at the weekend on a charge of housebreaking did not have to appear in court on Monday when it was discovered that the case was not enrolled.
Waleed Grootboom was accused of breaking into the Bhisho legislature residence complex, where his ex-girlfriend was staying.
Contacted on Monday, Grootboom declined to comment.
He is also Knysna’s political head of community services and the Patriotic Alliance’s mayoral candidate.
Grootboom was due to appear in the Zwelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
However, National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the case was not enrolled pending further investigation.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said they arrested the 40-year-old man for a domestic violence incident of housebreaking.
“It is alleged that on Friday at about 11pm, the suspect, who is the ex-boyfriend of the complainant, unlawfully entered the house of the complainant and subsequently broke the bedroom door.
“Moments later, it is alleged that the complainant arrived and found him inside, and they had a heated argument.”
Gantana said the suspect left and was later traced to a petrol station in Qonce, where he was arrested.
Once the case has been investigated further, a decision will be made by the state whether to charge Grootboom.
The arrest was revealed by PA president Gayton MacKenzie on Saturday via a Facebook video.
“I received messages and calls telling me our mayoral candidate was arrested.”
MacKenzie condemned the alleged incident.
“He must pay the ultimate price that hits his pocket. He must be removed from his positions,” he said.
The Herald
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