Picture: The EFF councillor, Betty Diale
By OBAKENG MAJE
The warrant of arrest has been issued by the Rustenburg Regional Court against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Betty Diale for allegedly failing to appear in court. Diale (52) was arrested for allegedly stealing approximately R700 000 belonging to Road Accident Fund (RAF) beneficiaries.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said Diale was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011.
“She was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021. This comes after the Legal Practice Fidelity Fund 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 payout and subsequently reported the matter to the police for investigation. The Legal Practice Council has since struck Diale off the roll, preventing her from practicing as an attorney,” said Mamothame.
He further said the trial for the matter was set to start on 26 September 2023 and Diale provided no reasons to the court for her absence. Mamothame added that all necessary documents were provided to her in preparation for the trial, as she opted to represent herself.
“A new trial date will be set following her arrest,” he said.
The Guardian 