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Department in the Presidency responsible for Women wishes to place on record its support for the decision taken by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in setting aside the petition of appeal by Mr Timothy Omotoso’s legal team in having Judge Mandela Makaula recuse himself.

The department also supports the Supreme Court of Appeal’s decision to turn down the application to have charges against Mr Timothy Omotoso, Ms Lusanda Sulani and Ms Zukiswa Sitho dropped.

Recent events in the unfolding of this trial have revealed instances of victim-blaming and secondary victimisation. It is important to note that the State has built a strong portfolio of evidence through testimonies like that of Ms Cheryl Zondi, who has had to endure dehumanizing cross-questioning. It would therefore be a travesty of justice to now ignore these testimonies and expert statements and quash charges against the trio.
 
“We fully recognize and respect the judiciary and legal processes. However, we implore the courts to see this trial through to its finality to ensure fairness to all parties involved,” said Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, Bathabile Dlamini.
 

 
Issued by GCIS on behalf of The Department in the Presidency Responsible for Women