Manana avoids jail
TENSION reached fever pitch at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court following the sentencing of former deputy minister of higher education Mduduzi Manana.
Police quickly filled the court’s parking lot in a bid to prevent the angry and rowdy crowd that was gunning for Manana.
At some point an altercation broke out between members of the ANC and EFF as they waited for the “infamous women beater” Manana to make his “graceful” exit.
Upon his long awaited exit, Manana emerged from the court and was greeted by chants and songs of “women beater” by some.
Manana, who pleaded guilty to assaulting three women, was ordered to undergo 500 hours of community service and pay compensation for all three victims, as well as a fine of R100 000 or a year behind bars.
The courtroom was filled with supporters and students from the University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, and Mpumalanga, who wore ANC T-shirts.
According to Gauteng EFF chairperson Mandisa Mashego, the supporters were “rented” by the ANC to support and celebrate with Manana.
After the sentence was given, the supporters had to be removed from the courtroom as they danced, chanted and celebrated in the courtroom by standing on the seats.
Mashego said that was proof that if one is rich, one can pay a fine and simply go unpunished for one’s crimes.
“I’m extremely appalled and disgusted by today’s sentencing. It is clear that the South African justice system has failed us.
“The majority of black women have endured violation and no action is taken against their perpetrators.
“They are clearly trampling on our rights and this will continue to give men power in the bedroom, workplace and life in general,” she added.
According to her, Manana’s victims were not present at court because they were previously intimidated and threatened.
Mashego also said the EFF would consult its lawyers to look for a possible manner to get the case revoked.
A UJ student, who declined to be named, said she was not supporting Manana or defending his actions. but insisted he was just a young leader who had made a mistake and needed corrective punishment.
“I don’t know about being rented but I have been at all the court proceedings since they began, and obviously we can’t calculate the monetary compensation to the actual assault.
“He showed remorse for his actions and should be given a second chance,” she said.
Magistrate Ramsamy Reddy said two previous charges of theft against Manana should not be taken into account, and added that despite the accused being intoxicated during the early morning assaults at a Sandton nightclub, they were not premeditated.