Manana gives his side of events, files lawsuit
African National Congress (ANC) MP Mduduzi Manana has given his version of events after a case of common assault was withdrawn against him.
He released a statement, saying he has instructed his lawyers to file a legal suit against his former domestic worker, Catherine Wiro, and her family after they allegedly demanded R100 000 from him.
Manana says the altercation between him and the domestic worker was over security and missing possessions.
"On her first week at work, I realized that she often gives access to everyone who comes to my home and I warned her about a possible security risk that such conduct poses to me and especially to her as she could easily be raped.
"On 02 May 2018, I brought to her attention that I am missing some possessions i.e. a camera and a box of crystal glasses," says Manana.
Manana says when he confronted Wiro over the missing possessions, she responded by crying that he was accusing her of stealing.
In his statement, Manana further states that he had another confrontation with Wiro, when she allowed another guest to enter his house without first verifying with him.
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"On 06 May 2018, I woke up in the morning and told her that I was expecting a guest and she should prepare breakfast for two persons. I went back to take a shower and then I heard voices from the kitchen. I stepped out of my bedroom and discovered that my guest had already made herself comfortable at my home," he adds.
Manana says he then approached Wiro over her actions.
"I then confronted Wiro that she should have verified with me that there was Sithembile Ntuli at the gate before opening for her because I had not told her the name of the guest that I was having breakfast with," he says.
Last year, Manana pleaded guilty to and was convicted on three counts of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Manana believes the allegations are a ploy to discredit his name.
"I wish to place on record that since the case assault which was levelled against me and for which I pleaded guilty, there has been desperate attempts to discredit and tarnish my name," he says.