Rights group takes further action against Manana

RIGHTS group Sonke Gender Justice said it filed another complaint with Parliament’s ethics committee against embattled ANC MP Mduduzi Manana.

The organisation first wrote to the committee in 2017 following Manana’s assault of three women at a Johannesburg nightclub.

‘’We note with continuous disappointment that despite having filed a complaint with the joint committee against Manana in September last year in relation to his assault of three women in August, the Randburg Magistrate’s Court convicted him and ordered him to pay a R100 000 fine or face 12 months in jail, in addition to completing 500 hours of community service and a rehabilitation programme, there has been no action by the joint committee against Manana.

“Given the current allegations of assault against Manana, it continues to be an affront to South Africa that one of its leaders continues to perpetuate violence, in particular against women. Manana is also in breach of the code of ethical conduct and disclosure of members’ interests for assembly and permanent council members and the laws of South Africa.’’

The former deputy minister of higher education on Monday opened a case of perjury against his domestic worker, Catherine Wiro, claiming she lied to Douglasdale police in her statement, alleging that Manana assaulted her at his Fourways home last week.

Allegations of extortion emerged after a voice recording surfaced in which Manana is heard offering to pay her R100 000 to drop the case.

Manana denied assaulting her or offering her cash. He said Wiro instead asked him to pay her off in exchange for dropping the case. – African News Agency (ANA)