By: Natasha Archary
Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana says he will not be stepping aside from his duties until the National Prosecuting Authority decides to prosecute him.
In a statement released on Thursday, 18 August, the Minister said he had finally been approached by SAPS regarding the sexual assault charges laid against him by a masseuse at the Kruger National Park.
Godongwana and his wife were at a spa in the national park on Woman’s Day, and he had gone for a massage.
The masseuse is accusing the Finance Minister of fondling her and touching her inappropriately between the legs.
He denies these allegations and says he will continue with his duties because the claims are nothing but a smear campaign against him.
“I confirmed with SAPS that I was indeed at the Kruger National Park on 09 August, when the alleged incident report is said to have occurred. I repeated my previous assertion, that I in no way or at any time inappropriately touched, sexually harassed, or assaulted anyone.
When meeting with SAPS on Thursday, I was furnished with a warning statement informing me of a criminal complaint laid against me in Skukuza, in the Mpumalanga province. The complainant accuses me of sexual assault.
While I serve as Minister of Finance, at the privilege of President Cyril Ramaphosa, I wish to state that I personally intend on continuing with executing my duties by focusing on the critical tasks of revitalising or economy and protecting the fiscus.”
Enoch Godongwana gives a statement regarding the sexual assault allegations against him
Calling the accusations nothing more than a smear campaign, Godongwana denied knowing the complainant or bribing her into silence.
“I take the allegations very seriously and do not subscribe to the abuse of women. It is terrible and hurtful for any woman to be on the receiving end of such a traumatic experience. These claims are nothing more than a smear campaign fashioned to achieve narrow and selfish political ends.”
Also read: UPDATE: 6-year old Shanawaaz Asghar returned safe and sound



