Johannesburg lawyer accused of harassment and sexual threats
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on TimesLIVE
A member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates faces allegations of harassment, intimidation and threats of sexual violence, according to the National Prosecuting Authority. The Johannesburg prosecution office is assessing the case to determine the complainant’s protection needs, while the lawyer disputes the allegations.
A member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates faces allegations of harassment, intimidation and threats of sexual violence against a woman. The office of the Johannesburg Director of Public Prosecutions said on Wednesday that its Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (Soca) unit was assessing the situation to determine the support measures needed by the complainant, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The complainant says she was subjected to repeated harassment, unwanted advances, intimidation and threats of sexual violence, according to the NPA. An interim protection order was issued by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, but it does not constitute a final ruling on the allegations, Myron Dewrance SC, chair of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates council, said.
The bar association said its member disputes the allegations and that it was following the legal proceedings before considering possible disciplinary measures. It also condemned messages circulated on social media containing threats to murder and sexually assault a woman, as well as degrading racist remarks, and called for respect for the complainant’s safety and dignity.
