Manana wants assault claim to be aired in court

FORMER deputy minister Mduduzi Manana wants his day in court so that his version of an alleged assault on his former domestic worker can be tested, a letter handed to the police yesterday says.

In the letter – which Manana’s lawyer, Michael Motsoeneng, has confirmed is authentic – Manana requests an update on the police investigation into the case of intimidation‚ assault and crimen injuria opened against him by his former domestic worker‚ Catherine Wiro.

Last week‚ he threatened to open a case of extortion after Wiro opened her case.

The letter says: “Our client requests that this matter be investigated by the SAPS in order that [his] version of events can be tested in a court of law.”

Wiro accused Manana of pushing her while coming down the stairs at his home.

But Manana denied the allegations and accused her of trying to solicit a R100 000 bribe to drop the case. Wiro later withdrew it. But the National Prosecuting Authority refused to withdraw the charges and told the police to investigate.

The ANC was committed to an internal hearing on the claim, ANC NEC member Zizi Kodwa said yesterday.

Kodwa told the SABC the ANC was not turning a blind eye on the matter.

“That issue is being referred to the integrity committee and it is also being dealt with by the office of the secretary-general,” he said.

“It is important that we act decisively. We can’t give an impression that we hesitate to act.” – TimesLIVE