Bergrivier Mayor Ray van Rooy arrested. Picture: Supplied
(UPDATE: This story has been updated following the mayor's release on Thursday)
Cape Town - The Bergriver Mayor who was arrested on Wednesday allegedly for drug possession and illegal possession of ammunition has been released.
Alderman Ray van Rooy was taken into police custody after a substantial amount of drugs and ammunition were found during a raid in his Piketberg residence.
Van Rooy was in police cells for a few hours and later set free. Police previously said he had not been charged and was only taken in for questioning.
His arrest occurred after an intelligence-driven raid on Wednesday allegedly led to the discovery of a substantial amount of drugs and illegal ammunition at the residence of the executive mayor.
He was taken by police from his Calendula Avenue home.
A source said officers from outside the area descended on the Bergrivier Municipality. Police confirmed the raid but said they had not yet charged anyone.
SAPS spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie, said: “Be advised that a substantial quantity of drugs and a round of ammunition was discovered on the premises of a residence in Piketberg. Investigation into the discovery continues and no one has been charged yet.”
The Bergrivier Municipality said they were made aware that Van Rooy was taken in for questioning by police from his residence in Piketberg.
“The municipality is awaiting further actions by the SAPS. As this is a legal matter, we are unable to provide further comment.
“The municipality remains committed to serving our community and always ensuring the highest standards of conduct,” it said.
DA provincial communications manager Matthew Sims confirmed the mayor's release from custody on Wednesday night.
“The DA respects the police’s investigation. We are also aware of misleading facts spreading on social media.
“The mayor vehemently denies any wrongdoing and upholds his commitment to giving his full cooperation to the investigation. We respect the rights of our members moving forward.”
Sims previously said they were informed of the possible arrest on Wednesday morning, “however, the mayor confirmed that there was nothing that he was aware of that could’ve led to the rumour.
“However, (Wednesday) afternoon, the mayor was arrested and the party was immediately informed of this.“Whilst the mayor vehemently denies allegations of any wrongdoing, he pledges his full co-operation to the legal process that will follow from here.”
ANC provincial spokesperson Khalid Sayed called for the mayor’s resignation.
“The ANC notes and welcomes the arrest of the mayor. Whilst we note that these are allegations, we have full faith and trust in our law enforcement and the justice system.
“A clear signal should be sent out to those who hold political office. Especially for those in higher political office, gangsterism, drug use, and illegal possession of firearms are absolutely unacceptable.
“We call on the mayor and the DA as a party that claims to uphold the rule of law to ensure that the executive mayor does the honourable thing and steps down from office with immediate effect.
“It is very important that this happens. We also note the infighting in Bergrivier, that this is currently having a major impact on governance in the municipality to the detriment of the residents.”
The EFF also called for the release of the mayor from duty.
Provincial leader Unathi Ntame said: “He was arrested for drug trafficking, possession of ammunition. We commend SAPS for the swift action that led to the arrest of Van Rooy.
“This is another DA leader involved in criminality. We have seen an increase of the drug use and gangsterism in the West Coast. Not so long ago Malusi Booi was arrested and put on trial for involvement with the underworld in tender collusion and he allegedly received kickbacks.
“And the public should be aware of what the DA public representatives are involved in. The DA doesn’t have a consistent way of dealing with those who are guilty of criminality; we have seen how Nora Grose is in her position ... We are hoping they are going to immediately dismiss Van Rooy from his position.”
National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams said they expect more arrests.
“It comes as no surprise to us. The mayor is, of course, innocent until proven guilty.
“We have known for a while that the DA is nothing more than a criminal syndicate. And it appears that the drug problem that we all know about is much more rife than we thought.
“More arrests of top leaders in the DA are bound to happen in the (next) six to 12 months. The house of cards is tumbling down.”
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za
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