The former North West EFF chairperson, accused of stealing thousands from the Road Accident Fund (RAF), has made representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Betty Diale (52), who is also a former attorney, appeared before the Rustenburg Regional Court on Tuesday (17/10), and her case was postponed to 31 October 2023 for the DPP to decide on her representations. She is facing six charges of theft, amounting to approximately R700,000, allegedly stolen from RAF claimants.

The court subsequently accepted her medical certificate as proof of her absence.

The North West NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, said if the DPP decides to reject representations, a new trial date will be determined by all parties. A warrant of arrest was previously issued for Diale after failing to appear in court on 26 September 2023 without providing reasons for her absence. She was re-arrested on 6 October, and released on warning.

Mamothame disclosed that an enquiry was held on her absence and the court subsequently accepted her medical certificate as proof of her absence. All necessary documents were provided to her in preparation for trial, after previously indicating that she would represent herself during proceedings.

‘The claimants alleged the said money did not reach them’

Police reports reveal that Fidelity Funds, a body that oversees the conduct of attorneys, received several complaints from the RAF claimants, whose payments were deposited into Diale's trust account.

The claimants alleged the said money did not reach them after the payout, and henceforth reported it to the police for investigation. Diale was practicing as an attorney during the alleged commission of the crimes between 2009 and 2011 and was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021. The Legal Practice Council has struck her off the roll, preventing her from practicing as an attorney.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi