Legal-representation debacle continues to delay Sizwe Yende’s rape case
Malomo had previously told the court that he was excusing himself from representing the accused. Malomo told the court that he had contacted a private legal representative, Brian Maphanga, who agreed to represent Yende.
The 28-year-old Sizwe Yende, who is accused of raping a three-year-old girl, appeared twice in succession in a short time before magistrate Meriam Mabetwa in the Barberton Magistrate Court. He was to apply for formal bail.
However, his application didn’t proceed as he had no legal representative. Representing Yende for the time
being was state legal-aid lawyer, Maloko Molomo.
Malomo had previously told the court that he was excusing himself from representing the accused.
Barberton Times previously reported that no state legal-aid board defence attorneys were willing to represent Yende.
The lawyers’ decision was reported to stem from the fact that they didn’t want to be seen as the one who represents criminals.
The recent attack on Adv Nico du Plessis at the Tonga Magistrate’s Court added to the local lawyers’ fears.
Du Plessis was attacked and throttled with his tie by community members after representing four men accused of murdering a three-year-old.
A video of this incident has since gone viral on YouTube and various media sites.
Malomo told the court that he had contacted a private legal representative, Brian Maphanga, who agreed to
represent Yende.
It was unclear, however, who would foot the bill for Maphanga’s services since private legal representatives are normally paid by the accused.
The case will now be heard on Monday February 15 in the same court.
Soon after Yende’s arrest he was also charged with three more counts of rape – all involving children – and after he had been linked to them by DNA tests.
Links to previous articles with regards to this story:
Public backlash against rape accused
Rape accused to find new attorney
Furore expected at rape accused’s bail hearing
