PA's Cheslyn Daniels denies physical violence in court case during mayoral debate - IOL
PA mayoral candidate Cheslyn Daniels appeared in the dock over assault.
Patriotic Alliance City of Cape Town mayoral candidate Cheslyn Daniels said he never raised his hand at his ex-wife after he was grilled on the incident at a recent mayoral debate.
Daniels, 33, is embroiled in a court matter for the contravention of a protection order and common assault involving his ex and the minor child they share during a Women’s Day event last month.
Daniels' wife also faces a charge of common assault.
According to the defence said the child ran towards Daniels’ vehicle and did not want to leave with the complainant. The court heard that the child was crying and wanted to remain with Daniels.
The case was postponed until September 21.
During the SABC debate on Tuesday, Ward 56 councillor Daniels was questioned whether he was fit to run for office as the topic moved to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“Very fair question the? The context to that is a very clear thing and I invite Capetonians to journey with us as a family as we go through this court appearance," Daniels said.
“There was no violence; there was no physical violence.
“It was a matter of my boy grabbing onto me and me holding onto him. There was no violence. There is a lot of evidence in that regard. The only reason the case is domestic violence related is that it’s my ex-wife - that’s the only reason. And it was explained as such.
“I think you can check the court records - what she says, what my side is.”
Daniels added that a J88 - an official South African Department of Justice medico-legal document used to record injuries and clinical findings from physical or sexual assault examinations for court proceedings - does not form part of the case.
Asked if he could be a leader that can be trusted, Daniels said: “On this issue, most definitely. This does not disqualify me from leading the City of Cape Town.”
ANC shortlisted candidate Jerimia Thuynsma, however, said that leaders of society must be exemplary.
But NCC leader Fadiel Adams defended Daniels, saying: “The Daniels I know would never harm a woman.”
