Minister of Communications Telecommunications and Postal Services Stella Ndabeni Abrahams’s claim that she had visited former Deputy Minister Mduduzi Manana to collect essential services goods has been found to be a white lie by the National Prosecuting Authority and Police investigations.
As a result, Minister Ndabeni Abraham paid an admission of guilt fine worth R1000 to avoid going to jail for contravening government’s regulations to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
These details were announced by the NPA in a statement today, stating that the minister paid the fine on Tuesday.
The dramatic turn of events, according to the statement, happened after Ndabeni Abrahams was served with a summons to appear at the Pretoria Magistrate Court on May 22, 2020.
“The admission of guilt fine is as per determination by the Senior Magistrate for the Magisterial District of Tswane where the amount of R1000 has been set for the offence of failure to confine oneself to his/her place of residence.
The State alleged that, on 5 April 2020, Ndabeni – Abrahams unlawfully and intentionally failed to remain confined in her place of residence by visiting Mr Mduduzi Manana’s place of residence. The investigations revealed that the visit was not for purposes of rendering essential service or obtaining essential goods, collecting a grant or seeking medical attention as per requirements of the COVID-19 regulations.
“The NPA remains committed in delivering justice without fear, favour or prejudice. This penalty should send a message that all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law,” said Phindi Mjonodwane, Gauteng NPA Spokeswoman.
Ndabeni Abrahams was forced to apologize to South Africans and President Cyril Ramaphosa last month, for dinning at Manana’s House in contravention of the lockdown regulations.
The President also placed her on special leave and in addition, docked one month salary as punishment.
