Cabinet fails to discuss latest Manana allegations
Minister of Communications Nomvula Mokonyane says cabinet did not discuss the latest allegations of assault against African National Congress (MP) Mduduzi Manana.
Addressing the media at a post cabinet meeting at Parliament on Thursday, Mokonyane said while there was not specific discussion around Manana's case the issue of the abuse of women was discussed.
According to Mokonyane, the latest allegations of assault levelled against Manana was not on the agenda but was addressed through reiterating government's stance on gender-based violence.
"Without dealing with Mduduzi Manana as an individual, cabinet has a view on gender based violence, and that include actions that are similar to those that have been done by Mduduzi Manana, and therefore the condemnation does apply even to him."
The former deputy minister of higher education was hit by another assault claim by his former domestic worker Christine Wiro, who he allegedly offered R100 000 to drop the charges.
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Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, slammed the African National Congress (ANC) MP on Thursday, confirming that Parliament has launched a probe into his conduct.
"If he is a person is affected, yes we must condemn his act and we do hope that the law will take its own course that no individual, irrespective of standing can run away with infliction of pain, humiliation and the degradation of the rights of others".
He was convicted of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm and sentenced to a fine of R100 000 or 12 month in jail in an incident at a Fourways restaurant last year.