Rasaad Adams|Published
Just two months after the arrest of its Cape Town mayoral candidate Cheslyn Daniels, the Patriotic Alliance has another election hopeful appearing in court, this time over an alleged shoplifting incident at a Somerset West store.
Romario Davids, 32, who is contesting Ward 83 in Strand and Somerset West, appeared in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on Friday, October 16, after allegedly leaving a retailer in De Beers Avenue without paying for goods. His case has been postponed to December 8 for further investigation.
Police confirm arrest
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel FC van Wyk told IOL Media 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.
DA questions PA candidate over latest arrest
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 denies alleged physical violence
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.”