Manana co-accused will wait to hear fate

JOHANNESBURG: Former deputy minister of higher education Mduduzi Manana’s two co-accused will only know their fate at the end of the month after the case against them was postponed by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Cyril Madonsela, 35, and Thulani Mdaka, 42, are facing two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after they hit Mandisa Duma and Noluthando Mahlaba at Cubaña restaurant in Fourways in August.

State prosecutor Yusuf Baba said: “We should respect women for who they are… the purpose of sentencing is to send a message. Are we sending out a message that women are punching bags because ‘I was under the influence’?”

Earlier the court heard that both Madonsela and Mdaka had no previous convictions.

Madonsela’s defence lawyer Jameson Mawila read his probation report which stated that his family members and the mother of his child were shocked by his behaviour in the incident as he was a “quiet” person.

Madonsela said he only drank alcohol occasionally and that he was highly intoxicated at Cubaña.

Mdaka’s defence lawyer, Oscar Thovhakale, read out his client’s affidavit that said he was intoxicated but was in control of his actions and had never become violent when under the influence but rather became talkative and friendly.

He said he was angered by the insults that were uttered by Duma and Mahlaba.

The defence argued that a R3 000 fine or three months’ imprisonment or a R6 000 fine with a suspended sentence would be an appropriate sentence as Manana had already been ordered to pay compensation to the women.

Earlier this week, Manana was ordered to pay a R100 000 fine (or go to jail for 12 months) and do 500 hours of community service for hitting the women.

Probation officer Yolanda Matikinca said that correctional supervision would be suitable but Mdaka did not present uncontrollable behaviour, so a counselling programme would be adequate.

The matter was postponed to November 27 for sentencing.