A warrant of arrest has been issued for Thandi Modise, National Assembly Speaker, after she failed to appear in court this morning on charges of animal cruelty.
National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise is in hot water after failing to present herself at the Regional Court in Potchefstroom today. The Speaker had been expected to appear on Friday morning to answer to charges of animal cruelty, reports SABC. This case follows a private investigation conducted by AfriForum's private prosecution unit, on behalf of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The Pochefstroom Regional Court issued a warrent of arrest for National Assembly Speaker and former @NorthWestZA @ThandiModise on a case of animal cruelty.
More on this on @northwestfm898 news bulletins. pic.twitter.com/bPeacMiZGU— Dimakatso Genkoe Scheepers (@DmkGenkoe) June 21, 2019
The investigation claims that Modise had left her farm unattended, resulting in the death of over 50 pigs and other animals, who had reportedly died from a lack of food and water. Elias Mangwale, AfriForum's Senior Special Investigator, commented on the matter:
“There is no way in act whereby an accused person can stay away from court attendance, but we say we will postpone the matter further for the 22nd as we have agreed with the defence lawyer. The warrant of arrest has been issued in court today (Friday) and it is being held until the 22 July so that she can appear in court on that day.”