‘NEE MAN SIES, PA’ – Somerset West ward councillor candidate innie hof for shoplifting

NewsSportLifestyleEntertainmentOpinionNews Politics’NEE MAN SIES, PA’ – Somerset West ward councillor candidate innie hof for shopliftingRasaad Adams|Published 2 hours agoCopy to ClipboardAsk AIBUSTED: Romario Davids

TWO months after the arrest of its Cape Town mayoral hopeful Cheslyn Daniels, another Patriotic Alliance (PA) candidate has appeared in court, this time on a shoplifting charge in Somerset West.

Romario Davids, the party’s candidate for Ward 83, which includes parts of Strand and Somerset West, appeared in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 16 October.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel FC van Wyk told Daily Voice that the 32-year-old was arrested after allegedly leaving a retailer with unpaid items.

“According to reports, on Wednesday, 14 October, at about 10:00, the male left the chain retailer in De Beers Avenue with items not paid for. Security personnel contacted police and the suspect was arrested. The investigation continues,” Van Wyk said.

The case was postponed to 8 December for further investigation.

Davids’ arrest prompted criticism from DA social media personality and Ward 111 candidate Cedric Laguma, who questioned whether the PA had the right calibre of people to govern Cape Town.

In a video posted on Facebook, Laguma referenced Daniels’ arrest following an alleged domestic dispute in August.

“Mayoral candidate Cheslyn Daniels is in court for GBV. And now this new Romario guy was arrested for shoplifting. Are these the calibre of people you want governing the City?” he asked.

Laguma also questioned why PA supporters continued backing the party despite the controversies.

“Every week there is a new crisis. The people around him all make excuses for him. It’s only the inner circle that eats,” he said.

He added: “The mayoral candidate is in court for allegedly hitting a woman, and now another prospective leader is arrested for shoplifting. Nee man sies, PA! Sies!”

Daniels’ case came under scrutiny during a Cape Town mayoral debate in September, where he denied allegations of physical violence.

Daniels faces charges of common assault and contravening a parental plan order following an incident involving his ex-wife and their minor child during a Women’s Day event in August.

During the debate, Daniels denied being physically violent, saying the incident involved his son holding on to him while he held the child.

“There was no violence; there was no physical violence,” he said.

The case has drawn political attention as parties prepare for the upcoming local government elections.

The Truth and Solidarity Movement called on the PA leadership to address the allegations against its candidates transparently.

In a statement, the movement said: “The people of South Africa deserve councillors who demonstrate honesty, integrity, accountability and respect for the law.

“We call upon the Patriotic Alliance leadership to address these allegations transparently and explain what steps it intends to take.

“We urge voters to exercise caution, scrutinise all candidates carefully and demand the highest ethical standards from those seeking their votes.”