The GOOD party has launched an investigation into allegations of domestic violence against one of its Cape Town ward candidates after an email detailing the claims was sent to party secretary-general Brett Herron and several media outlets on 3 September 2026. Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the individual was arrested on 3 December 2025 and appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court, where he was released on bail.
The email, first reported by the Cape Argus and Daily Voice, alleged that the candidate’s wife and a former female friend both have protection orders against him. The anonymous communication also claimed the candidate was due back in court on 8 September 2026, a date that aligns with the next appearance confirmed by police.
Herron said the party had no prior knowledge of the allegations or the cases. “We are not aware of these cases or the allegations – nor were we ever aware of them. We will investigate them,” Herron told the Cape Argus. He added that GOOD would never knowingly nominate a candidate facing such serious allegations.
Sergeant Twigg confirmed only the arrest, court appearance, bail release, and next hearing date in response to media enquiries. “The person mentioned in your enquiry was arrested on 3 December 2025 and appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s court where he was released on bail. His next court appearance is on 8 September 2026,” Twigg said.
The domestic violence allegations themselves remain untested in court, and the candidate’s identity has been withheld by the Daily Voice because no finding has been made. Claims about the protection orders, an alleged separate Children’s Court matter, and suggestions that GOOD previously knew about the allegations and failed to act could not be independently verified.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of local election candidates across Cape Town, where parties vet nominees for criminal records and pending court matters. GOOD, which holds seats in the City of Cape Town council, has positioned itself as a party committed to accountability and clean governance.
What remains unknown is whether the protection orders described in the email actually exist, whether there is a separate Children’s Court matter, and what the party’s internal investigation will conclude. Cape Flats News journalist Rasaad Adams will check with SAPS Athlone and the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on 8 September 2026 for an update after the scheduled appearance.