JOHANNESBURG - The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called for the harshest punishment for suspended Emfuleni mayor Simon Mofokeng should he be found guilty of the sexual abuse of a minor.

Mofokeng was placed on special leave last week following accusations that he sexually abused a 14-year-old girl.

It’s also alleged that Mofokeng’s 15-year-old grandson committed suicide after he was allegedly mocked about the matter.

The commission's Gushwell Brooks says that if guilty, Mofokeng’s penalty should be harsh to set an example to other child molesters.

“We have launched our own investigation at the SAHRC Gauteng office. That will look at the rights that were infringed in terms of section 28 of our Constitution, which protects children’s rights, specifically the right not to be abused.”

Source: EWN