‘I’m happy Manana resigned’
Woman denies charges dropped
A Mpumalanga woman, who has allegedly experienced the wrath of former Higher Education deputy minister‚ Mduduzi Manana, said she was happy to hear he had resigned but had doubts justice would ever be served.
Zinhle Mokhohlane said since reporting Manana to the police last month for allegedly assaulting her‚ she was yet to have the wheels of justice turn in her favour.
“Nothing [has] happened‚” said Mokhohlane. The incident occurred at Nesto Lounge in Ermelo.
At the time, Mokhohlane claimed to have opened a case.
The policeman tasked with handling the matter referred queries to provincial spokesman Brigadier Leonard Hlathi.
Hlathi, however‚ referred questions to Vuyo Mhaga‚ spokesman for the police ministry.
Mhaga said they were aware of the matter. “Both parties had opened cases against each other, but both of them later dropped the cases. This means there is no case.”
Mokhohlane, however, maintained she has never dropped the charges.
The 22 year old said Manana assaulted her after he was ticked off with her for entertaining a man who had been in his company.
“When [one of Manana’s friends called me over], I went over to find out what he wanted. All of a sudden‚ one of Mdu’s friends spilt beer on me‚” Mokhohlane said.
She alleged a confrontation between herself and Manana ensued and her sister pulled her out of the club.
“Mdu followed us out. He threw me on the bonnet of the car and hit me on the face‚” said Mokhohlane.
“He beat me up until outsiders came [and intervened]‚” she said.
Her sister called her aunt and uncle, who rushed to the scene.
“My aunt hit Mdu and he attacked her. She went into the car and he then threw bricks at the car. He was also bashing it with his hands.
“One of his bodyguards then took out a gun and fired two shots in the air.
“He didn’t point the gun at anyone. We were all shaken up and that is when the fight ended‚” she said.
Police arrived and allegedly retrieved the cartridges from the scene.
“His bodyguards had taken my aunt’s car keys. Even today we have not received those keys‚” Mokhohlane said.
Manana has not acknowledged the Ermelo incident.
In his resignation on Saturday, however‚ he said: “I further undertake to offer all assistance possible to the families I did wrong and again I am sorry.”
Mokhohlane said she did not believe Manana would compensate her aunt for the damage to her vehicle.