Call made for court to jail Manana

Ex-deputy minister feeling remorseful

Gender activists have called for a befitting sentence to be meted out to former deputy minister of higher education, Mduduzi Manana, to send a strong message to those who abuse women.

Manana appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday for assaulting Mandisa Duma and her friends at Cubana nightclub in Fourways in August.

His case was postponed to today because of late submission of reports by the probation officer and correctional services to defence lawyers. Siyabulela Jentile, the chairman of Not In My Name, a movement opposed to women abuse, said they want the court to use Manana’s case to send a warning to men who abuse women.

“We want the court to impose a befitting sentence, and we hope it will send Manana to jail,” he said.

Manana said outside court he planned to “kiss and make up” with his victims after sentencing. “I have been quite remorseful, but I do want justice to take its course.

“I couldn’t meet with the victim due to bail conditions, but surely as a person who has taken a responsibility and who is remorseful, I will initiate a process to reach out to the victims and families.”

His lawyer, Michael Motsoeneng, told the court that he received the probation officer’s report at 3pm on Monday and the other report only came through before court proceedings yesterday.

Magistrate Elvis Reddy blamed the state for taking too long to present the reports.