Maggie Benedict case postponed again

The actress is accused of allegedly stealing a packet of Panado tablets worth R17.90 at Checkers in Cresta Mall, Johannesburg earlier this year.

The case has been postponed several times now, with the latest postponed as a result of the state not being ready to proceed, and has not considered submissions made by the defence.

Benedict’s attorney, Jonathan Kaiser said the court is not ready to have the matter struck off the roll and they will now have to wait until 22 April for the next court appearance.

Benedict, who was originally detained at Linden police station after the alleged shoplifting incident, released last month, to set the record straight.

“I am innocent of this alleged crime and there was no basis for the arrest. Every item in my possession was paid for including the tablets I’d purchased weeks earlier that were still unopened,” said Benedict.

The talented actress who plays the role of Akhona on the popular soapie said she found it interesting that another customer’s packages set off the security system and she was allowed to go without a search. Benedict was allegedly stopped when the security system went off as she passed through.

“I could not provide a receipt because I’m blessed to have R17.49c not be an expenditure I need to keep track of,” she said in the statement.

Benedict said that State has offered her a diversion, an offer that she has declined.

“That means in principal that you admit to the allegations against you, look appropriately remorseful and the whole thing goes away. This would be the easiest and most cost effective manner in which to get this matter to finality. So basically it’s a lie that gets me out of this. I’m not sleeping as it is, I don’t see lying to an officer of the law remedying that,” she said.

“I guess it is far easier to ‘Make An Example Of That Actress’ than it is to admit that perhaps, just perhaps, Checkers’ Anti‐Theft machines and cameras might need a service.”