The GOOD political party has concluded its own investigation into the sexual assault and harassment complaint made against Western Cape Provincial Legislature member Peter de Villiers and has decided to proceed with a formal disciplinary hearing.

The former Springboks coach was accused of sexual assault and harassment in January and suspended by the party.

In a statement released on Monday, the party said De Villiers was served with a charge sheet on February 23, and will begin oral evidence on March 7.

“The hearing is set down for two days. The party will communicate the finding of the hearing once it is delivered to us. The allegations and prima facie evidence against De Villiers do not create an assumption of guilt. The GOOD Constitution provides for a fair and just disciplinary process to adjudicate the matter,” the party said.

An independent Disciplinary Hearing chairperson and initiator will oversee the process.

“GOOD is a women-led party, with a Constitution containing a set of real values to which all members subscribe and account irrespective of their positions. GOOD’s Constitution deals comprehensively and unequivocally with gender rights and sexual misconduct. The party is proud of its record of advocacy for the equal rights of women and girls, and against the plague of gender-based violence in South Africa,” it said.