AfriForum’s unit to assist cop allegedly assaulted by Gauteng legislature deputy speaker

AfriForum’s private prosecutor’s office said on Tuesday that it would take the case of a police protection and security officer allegedly assaulted two years ago by Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, Deputy Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature.

AfriForum said Sgt. Lizzy Mojapelo contacted the unit for help after the matter was withdrawn last year when senior prosecutors allegedly told Mojapelo the matter was difficult to prosecute because the suspect had a high-profile person.

, AfriForum said the alleged attack took place at Mhlakaza-Manamela’s home in February 2020.

“Mojapelo claims that the suspect severely assaulted her in a drunken rage has.

“She further states that her police officers did not want to help her open a case, but instead did everything in their power, e.g m thwarting those efforts,” AfriForum said.

A medical exam confirmed that Mojapelo had sustained multiple injuries and also confirmed that she was 11 weeks pregnant at the time.

< p>The organization said she suffered vaginal bleeding and required treatment to ensure her pregnancy was not terminated.

Mojapelo documented the details of the alleged attack at every step of the process, from the incident log on crime scene to compiling notes about her interactions with prosecutors and investigators.

Despite the prima facie evidence against Mhlakaza-Manamela, the National Prosecutor’s Office declined to take the matter further pursue.

“We created this office to restore the principle of equality before the law, including for politicians who are protected from prosecution because of their connections.

“We commend Sgt . Mojapelo for their strong convictions and will ensure that politicians, like everyone else who is suspected of having committed crimes, are held accountable,” said Unit Head Gerrie Nel.

TimesLIVE’s efforts to reach out Mhlakaza-Manamela were unsuccessful.

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