Calls mounting for Manana to be fired or suspended
Pressure is mounting from certain quarters for President Jacob Zuma to fire or suspend Deputy Higher Education Minister Mduduzi Manana.
Manana appeared briefly before the Randburg Magistrates court. He faces 2 counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was granted bail of R5000.
The media's application to film Manana's first appearance was denied.
The National Prosecuting Authority says Manana handed himself over to the Douglasdale police station before his court appearance.
The court heard that Manana is a first time offender and has no pending cases against him.
The NPA's Phindi Mjonondwane insists the deputy minister has not received any special treatment.
"The accused was escorted by police through a side entrance. He was never in the prosecutor's office. The prosecutor had a briefing with the family of the victim, at no point did the prosecutor meet with the accused" Mjonondwane says.
Manana's case has been postponed to September for further investigation.
Meanwhile The South African Civic Organisation (SANCO) has called for Manana's suspension to allow him to deal with the assault charges without the burden of public office responsibilities.
"Until he is cleared of serious charges of gender based violence , Manana will be surrounded by a cloud of controversy that will inhibit him, from effectively performing his official duties" says SANCO spokesperson Jabu Mahlangu.