NPA disappointment

ON MONDAY, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced its decision not to prosecute Mduduzi Manana after allegedly assaulting his helper, Christine Wiro, in May this year.

The NPA declined to prosecute as it felt that there were no reasonable prospects for success.

The incident related to Manana allegedly pushing the 53-year-old Wiro down the stairs during a heated argument in May.

A recording of Manana allegedly trying to bribe Wiro with R100 000 to drop the case surfaced after Wiro laid the charge, with Manana subsequently instituting a charge of extortion against Wiro.

Sonke Gender Justice is disappointed by the NPA decision.

Gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa is endemic and it is incumbent on institutions like the NPA to assist in eliminating GBV.

Sonke Gender Justice is disappointed by the NPA decision.

The Medical Research Council has found that close to half of all rape cases (47.7%) are not prosecuted by the courts.

It is Sonke’s view that Manana breached the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for Assembly and Permanent Council Members (‘Code’) and the laws of South Africa.

This includes the disregard of the oath/affirmation of allegiance taken as a Member of the National Assembly pursuant to the Constitution of South Africa and disregard for the eradication of all forms of discrimination, specifically the eradication of discrimination against women.

Sonke welcomes Manana’s announcement made on Tuesday to resign as a member of Parliament. Manana was scheduled to appear before the joint ethics committee yesterday. Bafana Khumalo Senior Strategic Advisor Sonke Gender Justice