Gauteng Premier Paul Mashatile has dismissed as completely untrue allegations published in the Sunday Times that he assaulted his wife’s business partner.
Mashatile said in a statement from his office on Sunday that a woman had parked her car outside his gate on December 2, blocking the entrance.
The statement said the motorist, who was rude and unruly, was asked by police officers to remove her car.
”She refused to do that and kept screaming, shouting and hooting in front of the house.”
Mashatile, who was asleep at the time, woke up and went to find out what was happening.
”Unprovoked, the woman started screaming and shouting at the premier, who had asked her to remove her car from the gate, as [his] children were getting late for school.â€
The statement said the motorist had created ‘a scene†outside Mashatile’s house, to the point where the police officers threatened to arrest her if she did not move her vehicle.
Mashatile advised the woman that if she was indeed owed money, she should follow legal channels.
Mashatile said while he had not been interviewed by the police in connection with the incident, he was willing to cooperate with an investigation.
”I am a firm believer in the rule of law. Furthermore, as premier I will always defend the rights, and in particular, the dignity of women,” said Mashatile. – Sapa