Cape Town - Bergrivier Mayor, Ray van Rooy, who was taken in for questioning after drugs and ammunition were found in his Piketberg home, said he was left traumatised.
Van Rooy spoke out about the incident after his arrest last week, but said he would share more details after his own investigation.
Police swooped on his home last Wednesday and found a substantial amount of drugs.
Police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie, said they have not charged anyone for the incident.
“No one has been charged yet. Investigation is ongoing.”
The DA said the incident has wrecked Van Rooy and his family.
The mayor said the incident was a “desperate attempt to smear my reputation and bring harm to my name”.
“I am deeply hurt by what has transpired, as it has caused suffering not only to me but also to my family. I would like to make it abundantly clear that at no point in my life have I ever been involved in the selling or distribution of drugs.
“I have never used any drugs, either. The white substance and one round of ammunition found were, in fact, discovered outside of my house, stashed between wooden pallets.
“This ordeal has been immensely painful. My wife and children are reeling in trauma and embarrassment of the situation.
“This has also caused my pregnant daughter severe strain. It shatters my heart to witness my family tormented by something I had absolutely no part in. I would like to find out who did this to me.”
Van Rooy said he always fought against drug abuse.
“I have always endeavoured to be a custodian of positive influence and change - and I will not stop.
“Bergrivier residents know me. They know I would not and do not involve myself with drugs.
“I believe that the mastermind behind this smear campaign will be exposed. As a God-fearing man, the truth will come to light and ultimately set me free.”
EFF Western Cape leader, Unathi Ntame, said it was all the more reason why Van Rooy should be removed as mayor.
“We can’t have a mayor who doesn’t know what is happening on his own private property. We won’t fall for his ‘holier than thou’ attitude. Alleging that there is a smear campaign against him can’t be a valid defence.
“It is even more shocking that SAPS will find a man with a ‘smoking gun’ and still not charge him. Are DA public representatives above the law?”
The ANC noted the statement by the mayor.
Spokesperson, Muhammad Khalid Sayed, said: “We will await the conclusion of the investigation. While doing so we maintain our position that the DA ought to have led by example in this regard.”
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za