Judgment in case WSU student Sibongile Mani over ‘theft’ of R14m NSFAS funds postponed

The judgement in the case against Walter Sisulu University student Sibongile Mani, who received more than R14m in her student account from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), was postponed to December 14 at the East London regional court on Wednesday to allow Mani to write her examinations.

Mani, who is accused of theft after she allegedly spent more than R800,000 of the R14m, was represented by her attorney Asanda Phakade, who told court that his client was not was before court because she was writing her examinations, and he submitted an application for another postponement.

Phakade told East London regional court magistrate Twanet Olivier that Mani would finish writing her exams on December 10 and therefore the court should postpone the matter to a date after that.

“The accused is busy with her exams and her last examination is on the 10th. And for that predicament the defence submits an application for a postponement until after her final exams,” said Phakade.

State prosecutor Luthando Makoyi said: “To be fair to the accused I will not object to the application. We don’t want her to be disturbed while she is writing exams.” 

Oliver set the matter for December 14.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Anelisa Ngcakani  voiced their disappointment.

“We are eager for the matter to be finalised,” she said.

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