The Rustenburg Regional Court has issued a warrant of arrest against controversial attorney Betty Diale, who failed to appear in court for the start of her trial on September 26.
Despite being provided with all necessary trial documents, Diale, who chose to represent herself in a matter where she is accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of rands, offered no reasons for her absence.
Diale faces six theft charges, totalling approximately R700 000, allegedly embezzled from Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimants. Police reports indicate that the Legal Practice Fidelity Fund received numerous complaints from claimants who claimed their payments were deposited into Diale's trust account but have yet to reach them.
Subsequently, these claimants reported the matter to the police for investigations, said Henry Mamothame, spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority North West division. Diale, who practised as an attorney during the alleged thefts from 2009 to 2011, was officially charged with six counts of theft in June 2021.
The Legal Practice Council has taken action, striking her off the roll, thereby preventing her from practising as an attorney. However, Diale told Mo Media she was sick, and could not attend the trial. She said and would submit a doctor's note during her next appearance.
A new trial date will be scheduled once Diale is apprehended and brought before the court. The magistrate in the matter issued a warrant for her arrest.
