Momberg’s aid request pending
When racism accused Vicki Momberg appeared in court on a charge of crimen injuria on December 6, she completed an application for legal aid in court, Advocate Wilna Lambley, Legal Aid South Africa’s Gauteng regional operations executive, said yesterday.
“The practitioner in court, Ms Jenna Clark, provisionally appeared on behalf of Ms Momberg, indicating that the legal aid application will be evaluated and if successful, an attorney appointed,” Lambley said.
The approval was supposed to have happened by yesterday.
“In view of the fact that Ms Momberg indicated on her application form that she was unemployed but owns fixed property, she was requested to attend a meeting at the Legal Aid SA Alexandra Justice Centre and to provide information on her income and assets,” Lambley said.
It was at this meeting that Justice Centre executive Nelisa Soji informed Momberg Legal Aid SA would need a copy of her bank statements for three months; the value of the property and outstanding bond, among others – normal documentation necessary to determine indigence.
“Ms Momberg became defensive and informed Ms Soji that the bank would not provide her with bank statements. Ms Soji informed her that if she provided Legal Aid SA with a Power of Attorney, it would be able to approach the bank on her behalf and request the statements.
“Ms Momberg refused, indicating she did not want legal aid any longer,” Lambly noted.
“Legal Aid SA would like to place on record that a power of attorney was suggested to assist Ms Momberg obtain bank statements, after she indicated the bank would not provide same to her.
“Secondly, as far as this case is concerned, Ms Clark appeared for Ms Momberg initially on December 6 to receive her application for legal aid. She has not consulted with her at any stage and could therefore not leak any confidential information.
“Legal aid has, in fact, not yet been approved, as Ms Momberg has not provided Legal Aid SA with all the information necessary to determine whether she qualifies for legal aid. Ms Momberg’s application for legal aid is still pending.
“Legal Aid SA is mandated to provide representation at no cost to those who cannot afford it.”
Ms Momberg has not provided all the information necessary to determine whether she qualifies.
Wilna Lambley Legal Aid SA’s Gauteng operations executive