Manana get R5 000 bail, ‘no special treatment’
DEPUTY Higher Education Minister Mduduzi Manana, who has been charged with assaulting a woman and granted bail of R5 000, will not be given preferential treatment, Police Minister Fikile Mbalula said.
“It is true in our society that sometimes our law has got eyes in terms of who is the perpetrator and they are treated with special kid gloves.
“And I can assure you Deputy Minister Mdu Manana will not be treated with special kid gloves and will face the full wrath of the law,” Mbalula told journalists in Cape Town.
His comments came as media reported that Manana was allowed to enter the Randburg Magistrate’s Court through the staff parking entrance. He was granted bail of R5 000 and the case was postponed to September 13.
Defending police against criticism from the public over Manana not being arrested before his court appearance, the minister said police had to ensure procedure was followed, including obtaining witness statements.
“The deputy minister is a known individual. He cannot hide from the law. He is not a flight risk and as police we do not mete out punishment...”
Mbalula said it was up to the court to decide Manana’s future.
Earlier, the minister said alcohol abuse was the cause of many assaults in the country, especially over weekends.
“The example of this is seen in the case of our comrade,” the minister said.
The DA again demanded Manana be fired as deputy minister.
“Manana has today been charged with two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
“Facing such serious charges is all the more reason why he cannot remain an active member of cabinet and must therefore be fired,” said DA higher education spokeswoman Hlomela Bucwa. – ANA