NPA to prosecute top Gauteng official for assault
The NPA in Gauteng has made a U-turn in the prosecution of the deputy speaker in the Gauteng legislature Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela.
She is facing charges of assault and crimen injuria following an incident involving one of her protectors.
The NPA's decision follows pressure from lobby group AfriForum, which had threatened to privately prosecute Mhlakaza-Manamela for allegedly assaulting VIP protection officer Lizzy Mojapelo.
She allegedly assaulted Mojapelo at the home she shares with her husband Buti Manamela in February 2020.
According to Afriforum's Private Prosecution Unit head, Advocate Gerrie Nel, a medical exam confirmed that Mojapelo was 11 weeks pregnant when she sustained multiple injuries.
Two weeks ago, the unit applied for the 'nolle prosequi' certificate after it was approached by Mojapelo, who was apparently told that the matter would be difficult to prosecute because the suspect is a high-profile person.
"This is a victory for the principle of equality before the law, we will ensure that politicians are not saved from prosecution although we have to ensure that justice is eventually done, I want to compliment Adv. Chauke and his office for his conviction and willingness to accept that a mistake was made and direct the prosecution on Mhakaza-Manamela," said Nel.
Gauteng NPA head Andrew Chauke told the unit in a letter he is satisfied there is a prima facie case against Mhlakaza-Manamela.
"Having studied the contents of the dockets, this office is satisfied that there is a prima facie case against Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela and the matter should not have been withdrawn against her. She must be prosecuted in the Johannesburg district court, the relevant senior public prosecutor who withdrew the matter has been reprimanded."
Mojapelo welcomed the decision saying she wants justice to be served for herself and her daughter.
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