A DA mayor in the Western Cape has been accused of domestic violence after he allegedly assaulted his wife during an argument.

Police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie confirmed that a domestic violence case had been opened at a local police station on Monday night following an altercation at the complainant’s home.

“The complainant alleges that she and her husband (the suspect) had an argument over his car keys when he allegedly assaulted her. She sustained injuries to her ankle,” Pojie said.

Pojie said detectives were probing the case, adding that the investigation was at an early stage.

The identity of the official is being withheld until he has been charged.

Asked whether the man had been arrested, Pojie said: “No arrest has been made yet nor did anyone appear in court yet. For that reason we are not at liberty to reveal the name of the suspect.”

While police refused to divulge the name, several DA members in the region confirmed the man was being investigated.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one member said the argument ensued shortly after the man’s wife and child arrived home.

DA Western Cape chairman Anton Bredell said he had heard about the assault case but added the party was in the process of obtaining further information from police.

Bredell said any member who committed violence against women and children would be dealt with severely by the party.

Virgil Gericke, a councillor and leader of the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI), said they too had heard of the allegations made against the DA member, which, if true, were “really shocking”.

“It is unacceptable that a person in such a high office can resort to acts of violence against women and children.

“We strongly feel that those found guilty of assault and abuse do not deserve to be in office.

“We call on DA to suspend him pending an investigation,” he said.

When approached for comment, the mayor said: “The police have not yet informed me about the charges. I’ve waited the whole day and police have not informed me of the case”.

He said he would issue a statement as soon as he was informed about the case against him.IOL