Rasaad Adams|Published
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) is facing fresh scrutiny after its Ward 83 candidate, Romario Davids, appeared in court on a shoplifting charge in Somerset West, two months after Cape Town mayoral hopeful Cheslyn Daniels was arrested following an alleged domestic dispute.
Davids, 32, appeared in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 16 October, after allegedly leaving a retailer with unpaid items. His case was postponed to 8 December for further investigation.
The latest case has prompted criticism from a Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate, who questioned the PA’s choice of candidates ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
PA candidate faces shoplifting charge
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel FC van Wyk told Daily Voice that Davids was arrested after allegedly leaving a retailer in De Beers Avenue 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 candidate criticises PA leadership
DA social media personality and Ward 111 candidate Cedric Laguma criticised the PA following Davids’ arrest, questioning whether the party had the right calibre of people to govern Cape Town.
In a video posted on Facebook, Laguma referred to 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 to back 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 allegations of physical violence
Daniels’ case came under scrutiny during a Cape Town mayoral debate in September, where he denied allegations of physical violence.
He 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.
Movement calls for transparency from PA
The Truth and Solidarity Movement has called on the PA leadership to address the allegations involving 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.”