Former SAA Board Chairperson Fined For Disobeying State Capture Commission Order
The Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court sentenced the former chairperson of the South African Airways (SAA) board, Duduzile Myeni, to a fine of R120 000 or two-years imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years on the condition that she is not convicted of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, during the period of suspension.
Myeni made her first appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court, on 29 March 2022, and was charged with defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, with alternative counts of Contravention of the Commission Act, (Hindering or Obstructing a Commission in the Performance of its Functions), and Contravening the Commission Regulations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of State Capture. She pleaded guilty to the charge of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice and entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the State.
The charge stemmed from Myeni’s testimony at the Commission into State Capture allegations, on 04 to 06 November 2020, wherein the Chairperson of the Commission informed her of his order, amongst other things, that the identity of a witness who had testified, should not be disclosed or published. The Chairperson ordered that the said witness should be referred to as “Mr X” during his evidence to the Commission and after his evidence, as far as the Commission was concerned.
After being informed that the identity of Mr X was not to be disclosed, Ms Myeni proceeded to mention the name of Mr X, on four successive occasions. After hearing submissions from the legal team of the Commission, and Ms Myeni, the Chairperson directed that a criminal complaint be registered with the police.
The NPA welcomes the court’s ruling, which is aimed at giving effect to the principle of equality before the law. We commend Senior State Adv. Rendani Ndou, and investigating officer, Sergeant Mandla Richman Masondo, for their effort in securing a ruling that will go a long way, in promoting respect for the rule of law.
Issued by:
Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson-Gauteng Local Division
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