The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has dismissed former Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini’s application to have her acquitted in her perjury case.
The case relates to her testimony during an inquiry the Constitutional Court had instituted into her role in the 2017 social grants crisis. She is accused of lying under oath.
The National Prosecuting Authority has called its first witness to the stand.
Earlier this month, Magistrate Betty Khumalo listened to the arguments from both the State and the Defence teams on what should be a way forward in the matter. She says she will make a decision after applying her mind.
“Both parties have raised extensive issues regarding this application that I believe warrants this court taking an appropriate opportunity to go through the application and then make an overall finding. As to whether the application is to be granted or should be dismissed.”
ANC Women’s League members picket outside the court to support Bathabile Dlamini:
Dlamini is facing a charge of perjury after she allegedly lied under oath during an inquiry into the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) grants crisis in 2017.
During her last appearance, former SASSA CEO Thokozani Magwaza gave evidence that Dlamini often interfered with the internal operations of the agency.
On November 24, according to State Advocate Jacob Serepo, the first witness in the case, SASSA Regional Executive Manager in the North West Zodwa Mvulane, had failed to respond to messages on numerous occasions despite being subpoenaed and was moving between Limpopo and the North West.
Defence Advocate Tshepiso Phahlane opposed the application for the matter to be remanded saying the reasons advanced are purely administrative.
