When Politics Overrides Justice
Reporter – George C. April
VREDENDAL: – In a startling turn of events, a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivor’s legal bid for protection, has again been postponed.
Not because of legal technicalities, but due to political interference and coordinated pushback from municipal leadership.
Jackeline Hector, an employee of the Matzikama Municipality, approached the Vredendal Magistrate’s Court for a harassment protection order against Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor and deputy mayor, Amelia Job. However, the case, originally scheduled for Wednesday, 30 April, was postponed to Tuesday, 6 May after Job failed to appear.
A letter from Municipal Manager Lionel Phillips was submitted to the court, claiming Job was attending a council meeting. Yet, the court questioned why the meeting, which was only due to start at 2:00 PM, prevented her from appearing earlier that day. More critically, the court asked why Phillips, who is not Job’s employer, but Hector’s, took it upon himself to write such a letter. Also, why he never responded to Hector’s previous written complaints about victimization by the councillor.
Observers were shocked when fellow DA councilor, Divine Cloete, known publicly as a founder of a GBV women’s rights organisation, also questioned Hector’s case. She rather supported her colleague, opposing the harassment application along with the accused councilor. The alignment of municipal leadership behind the accused, rather than the alleged victim, has caused serious concern among residents and civil society groups.
Cape Coast News (CCN) can further confirm that media queries were sent to both the Mayor and the Municipal Manager in April, questioning the municipality’s handling of the matter. To date, no response has been received.
Even more disturbing are credible reports that Job has already informed court staff that she will again be unavailable for Tuesday’s court session (6 May), and will seek another postponement. This fuelling public perception of a misuse of political privilege to delay justice.
As one observer remarked:
“When the system meant to protect survivors stands with the accused, who will women turn to?”
