A South Africa minister has apologized after being accused of beating up a woman called him gay. Deputy Education Minister Mduduzi Manana was Cubana nightclub near Johannesburg when the woman made the âaccusationâ.
Manana has said sorry for the âshameful incidentâ. He said while he was provoked, he âshould have exercised restraintâ. A police spokesperson has confirmed to Agence France-Presse they were investigating the incident, which took place at 3am on Sunday morning.
A tape recording leaked to the press is allegedly between the victimâs brother and Manana. In the tape, the person alleged to be the minister admits to slapping the victim when she called her gay.
However, a reporter who claims to have witnessed the assault said it was it was far more extreme. SABC journalist Lumko Jimlongo said the victim was attacked as she walked towards the exit. âShe fell on the floor,â Kimlongo said.
âHe proceeded to trample [her]âŚand his foot was on her head.â The extent of the womanâs injuries are unknown. âThat shameful incident should not have happened,â says deputy minister
âThat shameful incident should not have happened,â Manana said in a statement. âI know that my actions and those of the people in my company have disappointed and hurt many people in the country. As a leaderâ I should have known better and acted better.
âI will subject myself fully to the process of the law and give it my full co-operationâ. Manana addressed his apology âto the victim, her family⌠and all South Africansâ and explained he hoped he would be able to speak to her personally to âaddress the harm that has occurredâ.
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