She has been here before.
DJ Zinhle doesn't take theft lightly. First it was an employee, Phumzile Diko (33) who allegedly defrauded her of money.
Money was allegedly transferred from the complainant’s account to the accused so that she could perform her work duties as expected by her employer but she ended up helping herself to some of the funds.
Now the Era by Zinhle founder is attending yet another court case, this time related to theft of stock.
The Hair Majesty owner allegedly found stock at one of her employees’ properties and she is not taking it lightly. Adhering to the rules of the court, DJ Zinhle arrived bright and early to the Hatfield Magistrates Court.
She was told to arrive at the court at 8.30am and at that time, she was already at the court waiting outside.
Thabile Malatjie's (23) trial was supposed to kick off today but has been postponed due to the legal representative being sick.
Read more | Phumzile Diko, ‘employee’ suspected of fleecing DJ Zinhle, gets R5 000 bail
The award-winning DJ was dressed in all black, accessorizing with her Era by DJ Zinhle beanie hat, earrings, and a sling back bag. She was with her sister, Gugulethu Mtshali, who is also part of her sister’s operations of the store.
The sisters came in early. When the proceedings started, they were already in the courtroom sitting next to each other. However, the appearance was brief because Thabile’s legal representative, Attorney Franciour Joubert, couldn’t make it to court due to health reasons.
Thabile, who is currently out on bail, was arrested in January after the police allegedly searched her property and found stock from the shop. She was allegedly working at Zinhle’s store Era by Zinhle in Menlyn Mall in Pretoria.
She is facing a charge of theft after it is alleged that she stole stock worth an unverified amount of money.
She came in accompanied by her family members in court. Thabile waited outside until she was called in to take a stand. When taking the stand, she only made eye contact with her former boss once who was seated in the corner, after she looked at the Magistrate and the state prosecutor, who informed her that the case would be postponed and will continue in September.
Last month Thabile’s legal representative applied for mediation to resolve the matter without proceeding with the prosecution.
Read more | Maphorisa lawyer who doesn’t want to be named unfazed by NPA’s rejection of confidential submissions
However, state prosecutor Advocate Samuel Mahlangu says the Senior Public Prosecutor refused the now application, stating that both the complainant and accused couldn’t agree, therefore they are preparing for trial.
“Your worship me and my witnesses, we agreed on a date and found the one that is suitable to us. May I ask the witnesses to rise so that the court can get them on record for the state,” says Mahlangu.
DJ Zinhle, real name Ntombezintle Jiyane, and her sister, Gugulethu Mtshali, agreed in court, telling Magistrate Stigling that they will be available on 13 September.
Magistrate Stigling told Thabile that unfortunately when her attorney is ill, there is nothing that the court can do about it.
“It is winter, so I am sure there is a good reason for their absence, but we must remind you that you are on trial. The matter is remanded to September for pre-trial, and your bail is extended. Should both the accused and witnesses not make it to court a warrant of arrest will be issued.”
