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The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Rustenburg has postponed the case against Betty Diale (52), who is facing six charges of theft amounting to approximately R700,000. The trial, has now been set for November 28, 2023, following the rejection of her prepresentations to withdraw her charges by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
This delay marks another chapter in the legal proceedings that have garnered attention for its twists and turns. A warrant for Diale’s arrest was previously issued after her failure to appear in court on September 26, 2023, and her inability to provide reasons for her absence. She was subsequently rearrested on October 6, 2023, and released on warning after producing a medical certificate.
The state has diligently provided all necessary documents for the trial, and they are eager to see the case proceed without further interruptions. The delays in the trial have been a matter of concern, as this is not the first time the proceedings have been postponed.
Diale is facing six charges of theft, and the alleged amount stolen, approximately R700,000, is said to have been taken from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants. Police reports indicate that the Legal Practice Fidelity Fund received numerous complaints from RAF claimants who claimed that their payouts were deposited into Diale’s trust account but never reached them. These claimants subsequently reported the matter to the police for investigation.
It is alleged that Diale was practicing as an attorney during the period when these thefts occurred, spanning from 2009 to 2011. She was officially charged with six counts of theft in June 2021. Furthermore, the Legal Practice Council took action by striking her off the roll, effectively preventing her from practicing as an attorney.
The trial’s outcome will be closely watched by those affected, as they seek justice and resolution in the matter, while the court will aim to ensure a fair and just conclusion to this complex case.
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