https://www.thesouthafrican.com by Craig Lewis
Allegations of sexual misconduct are believed to have placed former Bok coach Peter de Villiers at the centre of a serious investigation.
Last week it was confirmed that former Bok coach Peter de Villiers – who has since begun a career in politics – had been suspended from all party activities after receiving the a complaint of sexual misconduct from another party member.
De Villiers joined the ‘Good Party’ in November 2021, as as a mayoral candidate in the Drakenstein Local Municipality, but following his suspension, disciplinary procedures are now under way to determine the veracity of the accusations.
Good Party Secretary-General Brett Herron said the suspension reflects the seriousness of the allegations, although reiterated that this was not an indication of finding of guilt.
“GOOD’s constitution is unambiguous on gender relations and gender-based violence. The constitution applies to all members, regardless of position. De Villiers’ suspension is not a finding of guilt; it reflects the seriousness of the allegations,” he commented.
“The party will implement disciplinary processes to determine if the provisions of its constitution have been breached. Given the sensitive nature of the allegations, the party will, for now, be making no further comment on the matter.”
The shocking news was recently reported by various publications such as eNCA, while other reports have suggested that a complaint has also been lodged with police after accusations emerged that De Villiers had allegedly groped a female party member.
Police have refused to specifically name De Villiers, and no arrests have been made, but it is believed that the Vredenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is investigating a case of sexual assault.
De Villiers coached the Springboks from 2008 to 2011, with a controversial defeat to Australia in the World Cup quarter-final coming at the end of his tenure.
While not everyone’s cup of tea while at the helm of the Springboks, under De Villiers’ leadership the national side won 30 of their 48 Tests.
That 62.5% win percentage included a 47% win percentage against the All Blacks, having played them 11 times, winning 5 and losing 6 of those matches.
Recently, after a brief spell coaching with Eastern Province Rugby, it emerged last year that he was looking to take up a career in politics.
He briefly shifted away from politics to serve as the coach of the national deaf sevens team, while also picking up work on the Peter de Villiers Foundation before returning to a role with the Good Party.