Attorney Theft Case Adjourned For Negotiations
The Rustenburg Regional Court postponed the case against Betty Diale(52), to 29 August 2022, for negotiations. She is out on a warning and has been cautioned not to interfere with the state witnesses. The matter was set for a pre-trial, however, her defence attorney indicated to the court that they intend to enter negotiations, with the state about the charges. The state did not oppose the postponement. Diale is facing six charges of theft, amounting to approximately R700 000, allegedly stolen from the Road Accident Fund(RAF) claimants.
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 that the said money did not reach them, after the payout and henceforth, reported to the police for investigation. Diale was practising 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 practising as an attorney. The state will engage with Diale’s attorney on the negotiations, although it is unknown what the negotiations are about at this stage.
Issued by
Enquiries:
Henry Mamothame
NPA Regional Spokesperson
North West Division
082 317 5731