Former attorney Betty Diale is at the centre of a high-profile case involving theft allegations from Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants. Her representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions were rejected, leading to a trial set for November 28. Diale, 52, has been rescheduled for her trial due to multiple delays.
The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Rustenburg has rescheduled the trial for further preparations. The State has provided Diale with all necessary documents, and authorities are cautiously optimistic that the trial will proceed without further interruptions. Diale was arrested on September 26, due to her absence from court proceedings.
She failed to provide any reasons for her absence. On October 6, she was rearrested but released on a warning after providing a medical certificate to the Magistrate. Diale faces six counts of theft, totalling approximately R700 000. The charges stem from alleged misappropriations from RAF claimants who entrusted their settlements to her care.
Police reports reveal complaints filed the matter with the Legal Practice Fidelity Fund, revealing that their funds never reached them after their RAF settlements, prompting a formal investigation by law enforcement. Diale's alleged involvement in these thefts occurred during her tenure as an attorney, spanning 2009 to 2011.
As a result, she was subsequently charged with six counts of theft in June 2021. The charges against Diale have significantly impacted her legal career, leading to the Legal Practice Council striking her off the roll, revoking her license, and preventing her from practising law.
The trial date of November 28 involving the RAF claimants is approaching, with the public and legal community eagerly following developments. The trial is expected to reveal the intricacies of the allegations and deliver justice to the affected claimants, with updates provided as new information emerges.
