Deputy minister of Higher Education, Mduduzi Manana, was granted R5,000 bail by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Manana, 34, is facing two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following an incident over the weekend where he allegedly assaulted a woman after an argument at a Johannesburg nightclub.
State prosecutor Yusuf Baba told Magistrate Liezel Davis that Manana was in custody, while further requesting permission for the media to broadcast proceedings.
Pictures of Mandisa Duma’s beaten face and a video of her allegedly being assaulted by Manana at Cubana in Fourways went viral on social media.
Defence attorney Michael Motswaneng Bill said Manana had no previous convictions.
Manana stood confidently in the dock, dressed in a navy blue tailored suit and a white shirt.
Magistrate Davis ordered Manana be released on R5,000 bail and said he was not allowed to have any contact with witnesses.
Earlier, Manana was snuck into court and sat in the prosecutor’s office. Journalists were camped outside the court for several hours but never saw him enter.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, said Manana had handed himself over at the Douglousdale police station and she did not have information on his arrest as they only dealt with the prosecution.
She added that she was not aware of another case against Manana, this in Ermelo, where he allegedly assaulted another woman at a nightclub.
The magistrate adjourned the matter to September 13 for further investigation.
– African News Agency (ANA)
