The suspension follows the recommendation of an adhoc committee Nqatha appointed, to look into allegations that Chief Ntola humiliated two people – a man and woman who were accused of committing adultery in his village. They were apparently forced to have sex in full view of the public The MEC’s office said relevant parties were granted an opportunity to present their case, including some witnesses. The committee found Chief Ntola guilty and now he has been suspended without pay.

COGTA MEC Xolile Nqatha has condemned Chief Ntola for his actions and subsequently ordered him to apologise to both the pair and their families. He also has to undergo counselling during his suspension, assisted by the Royal family and must submit reports to the department. “I have carefully considered and applied my mind to the report which included aggravating and mitigating factor as well as the findings and recommendations.

Due to the seriousness of the misconduct, he committed that affected the emotional and psychological being of the victims badly and the traditional community at large,” Nqatha said. “I also considered Mr Ntola’s personal circumstances in mitigation of the seriousness of the misconduct, but unfortunately aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating factors in this case. It is clear from the report that Mr Ntola committed the act of misconduct and that is a disgrace to the traditional leadership institution at large.

I, therefore, agreed with sanctions as recommendations in the report,” Eastern Cape COGTA MEC Xolile Nqatha Nqatha added that as the MEC, he has a duty to ensure that leaders and institutions falling within his portfolio execute their duties in a dignified and humane manner that is gender-sensitive. “Society is witnessing a scourge that happens in extreme proportions and whatever happens, the MEC has vowed not to fail to act to protect women and children,” his office said.