Picture: The EFF councillor, Betty Diale
By OBAKENG MAJE
A theft case against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Betty Diale (52) has been postponed by the Rustenburg Regional Court postponed to 31 October 2023. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the case was postponed for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide on Diale’s representations.
“Should the representations be rejected by the DPP, a new trial date will be determined by all parties. A warrant of her arrest was previously issued for failing to appear in court on 26 September 2023 and also failing to provide reasons for her absence.
“Diale was re-arrested on 6 October 2023 and released on warning. An inquiry was held on her absence and the court subsequently accepted her medical certificate as proof for her absence. All necessary documents were provided to her in preparation for trial as she indicated that, she would represent herself during proceedings,” he said.
Mamothame further said Diale is facing six charges of theft amounting to approximately R700 000. He added that Diale allegedly stole that money from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants.
“The police reports reveal that, 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 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,” said Mamothame.
The Guardian 