Manana sentenced to 1 year in jail or R100k fine
Former Higher Education Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana pleaded guilty to assaulting two women at a Johannesburg nightclub.
JOHANNESBURG - Former Higher Education Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana has been sentenced to one year in jail or a fine of R100,000 at the Randburg Magistrates Court for assaulting two women at a Johannesburg nightclub.
The fine is payable on Tuesday.
Magistrate Ramsamy Reddy also ordered Manana to undergo community service.
“Mr Manana is to complete 500 hours of community service at the organisation called Valued Citizen Initiative.”
His victims will also receive compensation.
“Mr Manana is to compensate the following victims namely Noluthando Mahlaba an amount of R5, 014.20; Mandisa Duma an amount of R20,263.34 and Thina Mapipa an amount of R1,403.92.”
He's pleaded guilty to three charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after he was caught on camera violently hitting two women outside Cubana nightclub.
A video of the crime went viral, prompting calls for harsh punishment.
Manana’s supporters wearing African National Congress T-shirts broke out in song outside the court following his sentencing.
Manana says he’s taken full responsibility for his actions and is remorseful.
Magistrate Reddy says he considered Manana’s display of remorse during sentencing.
WATCH: Judgment in the Mduduzi Manana court case
Meanwhile, Eyewitness News has learned Manana has been on indefinite leave as a Member of Parliament since it emerged he had assaulted three women.
Manana has not made an appearance in the National Assembly since the incident in August.
The office of the Chief Whip says Manana has been granted leave to deal with his personal issues.
African National Congress Parliamentary spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli says Mduduzi Manana requested a leave of absence after assault charges were laid against him.
He resigned as deputy minister shortly after his first court appearance.
Parliament announced last week that as a backbencher, Manana will now take up a seat for the ANC on the human settlements portfolio committee.
According to Parliamentary rules, a Member of Parliament may not be absent for more than 15 consecutive days without permission.
Mhlauli says chief whip Jackson Mthembu approved Manana's request for leave, pending the finalisation of the counselling and therapy he chose to undergo, as well as the finalisation of court proceedings against him.
No date has been specified for his return to parliamentary duties.
