DURBAN - Businesswoman Manana Nhlanhla appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday where a trial date was set in her matter.
Nhlanhla serves as a board member of various companies.
She faces a charge of attempted murder. It is alleged that she physically assaulted and severely injured Nondalo Mhlongo with a wine decanter at her business partner’s house in Drummond in July 2020.
Nhlanhla’s attorney, who declined to be named when asked by the Daily News, told Magistrate Rose Mogwera and public prosecutor Sally Singh that his client could not afford any more delays.
“We are ready to proceed to trial. The Director of Public Prosecutions said the matter should go ahead. The delay tactics from the complainant cannot be tolerated anymore. They held a watch in brief at Camperdown Court. You cannot direct or tell the prosecutor what to do. The case had been set for trial. This is not a private prosecution. It must go ahead.”
Mogwera set the trial date for February 10 next year. According to Mhlongo, Nhlanhla attacked her while visiting a man who is her business partner. She said that Nhlanhla accused her of having an affair with the man.
The business partner has a long history with Mhlongo, while Nhlanhla has a joint business with him.
The incident allegedly took place in full view of the man and other witnesses, who are expected to be called before the court.
Mhlongo sustained severe injuries to her arm which required surgery.
Nhlanhla denied Mhlongo’s allegations. In her answering affidavit, she said she was not even at the place where the incident allegedly took place. She said she ate lunch with the man that day but left and went to her son’s house. She said Mhlongo and her friend were drinking wine with the man during the day.
The case was initially adjourned to November 9 for trial but the matter was moved to the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court. Three prosecutors recused themselves from the case at Camperdown Magistrate’s Court.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Kara said it was incorrect that the prosecutor assigned to the matter was unable to prosecute the case.
“Following a difference of opinions between the watching brief and the prosecutor, the prosecutor asked that the matter be dealt with by another prosecutor, hence the matter was transferred to another court, namely the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court.”
Daily News