The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has refuted claims that Higher Education Deputy Minister, Mduduzi Manana received preferential treatment during his appearance in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 10 August.
Journalists questioned why Manana was held in an office and not a holding cell like all other accused persons waiting to appear in court.
Manana was seen with his security entourage being escorted to what is believed to be a Prosecutor’s office in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.
NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwana had, however, a different version of events. She denied claims that Manana was in an office and maintained that he had been in holding cells at the Randburg Court.
According to Mjonondwana, Manana handed himself over to the Douglasdale Police Station on the morning of his court appearance. She further pointed out that the deputy minister didn’t arrive at court in his private vehicle, but was transported in a police vehicle, just like any other accused person.
Manana was granted R5 000 bail by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court and the matter was postponed to 13 September for further investigations.
The defence counsel, Michael Motshoeneng Bill objected to the media’s request to film proceedings. He also objected to photos of the accused being taken during his appearance. The court subsequently ordered that no photos of Manana be taken while he was in court on the day.
The deputy minister made a brief appearance before Magistrate Liezel Davids. Addressing the court, Prosecutor Yusuf Baba said the accused was facing two counts of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm.
Baba made mention that Manana’s charges were a Schedule 1 offence and the state was not opposing bail.
The defence lawyer told the court that Manana had no previous or pending cases. And although it has been reported that there is a pending case of assault against Manana in his hometown of Ermelo, NPA spokesperson said the state was not aware of any pending cases, hence they didn’t object his bail application.
During his brief appearance, Manana appeared unphased and there seemed to be no sign of remorse. He greeted his friends seated in the public gallery as he left the court room, walking down back to the holding cells.
Manana has issued several statements apologising for the alleged assault.
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