PLEADING GUILTY
Former deputy minister of higher education Mduduzi Manana leaves the Randburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday after appearing on assault charges. Manana pleaded guilty to assaulting three women during an altercation at a club in Johannesburg North last month.
FORMER deputy minister of higher education, Mduduzi Manana, may get away with a heavy fine and suspended sentence after admitting to assaulting three women during an altercation at a club in Johannesburg North last month.
Manana made the admission in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday when he appeared over the assault of Noluthando Mahlaba, Mandisa Duma and Thina Mopipa at Cubana club, in Fourways.
A video clip of the assault went viral on social media, prompting him to apologise. He resigned from his post as deputy minister.
Manana’s appearance yesterday got off to a dramatic start as some university students flocked to the court to show their support for the disgraced politician.
The drama did not end there, as two more suspects linked to the assault were also arrested while Manana’s case was under way.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwana, explained that one suspect was arrested after Manana’s victim pointed him out.
“The other one was told to hand himself over before the end of the business day, which he did,” she explained.
“Both men are due to appear in court today, where they face similar charges to Manana.”
A sharply dressed Manana made his appearance, looking relaxed and confident in a navy blue suit and crisp white shirt.
His lawyer, Michael Motsoeneng Bill, then confirmed that Manana had opted to plead guilty to the three counts of assault against him.
Describing the assault, Manana said he hit Mahlaba with an open hand on her face and back. He also pulled her hair, pulled her to the ground, kicked and punched her.
A fight then ensued, during which he admitted to also assaulting Duma and Mopipa.
He assaulted Mopipa by grabbing her by her hair and throwing her to the ground before moving on to Duma, whom he punched, slapped and then kicked as well.
He was convicted on three counts of assault and will be sentenced on November 7.
His bail was also extended.