Picture: The EFF councillor, Betty Diale accused of theft
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Rustenburg has postponed the theft case against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor, Betty Diale (52) to 28 November 2023 for trial. This comes after Diale’s representations to request the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to withdraw her charges being rejected.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said, the state has already provided Diale with all the necessary documents in preparation for trial. Mamothame said the state also hopes there will not be any further delays recorded as the matter has been postponed on various occasions.
“The police reports reveal that, the Legal Practice Fidelity Fund received several complaints from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants, whose payments amounting to approximately R700 000 were deposited into Diale’s trust account. The claimants alleged that, the said money did not reach them after the pay-out.
“They 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,” he said
Mamothame further said the Legal Practice Council has struck her off the roll, preventing her from practising as an attorney. He added that 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.
“She was re-arrested on 6 October 2023 and released on warning after she produced a medical certificate,” said Mamothame.
The Guardian 