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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 not to impose a sentence of direct imprisonment on Manana, adding that a suspended sentence should be enough.
@randburg_sun Brian Matjila is one of the organisers of #MduduziManana supporters, he's a student at UJ & explains why they here pic.twitter.com/AgnbwGfsVu
— Belinda Pheto (@BelindaaPheto) September 13, 2017
@randburg_sun WATCH as #MduduziManana supporters sing and dance at the Randburg Magistrates Court pic.twitter.com/V3eNbpbd1C
— Belinda Pheto (@BelindaaPheto) September 13, 2017
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.
For live tweets follow our Journalist @BelindaaPheto
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