By BAKANG MOKOTO
A fraud case against the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West, Betty Diale was postponed by the Rustenburg Regional Court until 29 August 2022.
A 52-year-old politician is facing six charges of theft amounting to approximately R700 000 allegedly stolen from the Road Accident Fund(RAF) claimants. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame, police reports reveal that Fidelity Funds, a body that oversees the conduct of attorneys, received several complaints from the RAF claimants, whose payments were deposited into Diale’s trust account.
“The claimants alleged that the said money did not reach them, after the pay-out and henceforth, reported to the police for investigation. Diale was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011 and was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021.
“The Legal Practice Council has struck her off the roll, preventing her from practicing as an attorney. The state will engage with Diale’s attorney on the negotiations, although it is unknown what the negotiations are about at this stage,” Mamothame said.
He said the matter was set for a pre-trial, however, Diale’s defense attorney indicated to the court that, they intend to enter into negotiations with the state about the charges. Mamothame said the state did not oppose the postponement.
Diale is out on a warning and has been cautioned not to interfere with the state witnesses.
The Guardian 