UPDATE: #Manana pleads guilty and a second suspect is arrested

KENSINGTON B – Manana supporters arrive in full force at Randburg Magistrates' Court.

September 13, 2017

Belinda Pheto 1 minute read

Students outside Randburg Magistrates' Court stage a protest in support of the former Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Mduduzi Manana.

Original report, 1.00pm

The case against Mduduzi Manana has been postponed to 7 November for sentencing. Manana pleaded guilty to three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The former deputy minister admitted that on 6 August he assaulted three women at a Fourways night club.

An altercation then ensued between Manana’s supporters and supporters of the victim. It has also been reported that a second suspect has been arrested in relation to this matter.

Original report, 11.13am

There is a hive of activity at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court as the former Deputy Minister of Higher Education is due to make an appearance in court.

Students, claiming to be from different universities in the country, clad in t-shirts showing support for Mduduzi Manana, say he deserves to be given a second chance.

They told journalists at court that they want to plead with the court to not impose a sentence of direct imprisonment on Manana, adding that a suspended sentence should be enough. A group of DA members were are also at court, bearing placards condemning Manana’s conduct.

The social movement, #NotInMyName, who also attended Manana’s first court appearance, were at court again in support of the two women who were allegedly assaulted by the former deputy minister at a Fourways night club.

Manana is expected to appear later today. He is charged with three counts of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was granted R5 000 bail last month and has since resigned from his position as deputy minister.

@randburg_sun WATCH as #MduduziManana supporters sing and dance at the Randburg Magistrates Court pic.twitter.com/V3eNbpbd1C

— Belinda Pheto (@BelindaaPheto) September 13, 2017

.@randburg_sun #MduduziManana A group of students from universities in the country are also here to support Manana pic.twitter.com/Yqloiw9sac

— Belinda Pheto (@BelindaaPheto) September 13, 2017