The long-running fraud case involving Zietta Janse van Rensburg faced yet another setback yesterday, January 22, as proceedings at the Tonga District Court were postponed due to the presiding magistrate’s illness. She stands accused on fraud, uttering and forgery charges.

Janse van Rensburg was prepared to have her day in court, but Magistrate Mamabolo’s unexpected illness put an untimely halt to proceedings.

Accompanied by her legal representative, attorney Marco Lamberti, Janse van Rensburg arrived at court shortly before 10:00. State prosecutor Tobie Steyn informed the defence team that the presiding magistrate’s illness prevented the trial, scheduled for both Thursday and Friday, from going ahead.

READ: Zietta Janse van Rensburg fraud trial delayed yet again

This is the latest in a series of delays dating back to early 2024. In July 2025, the case was postponed once more after Janse van Rensburg appeared in court without legal representation. At the time, she assured the court that Lamberti would be representing her, prompting Steyn to request that she contact him then and there to confirm.

Lamberti is no stranger to high-profile cases; he previously represented Sonell Joubert in a murder trial before withdrawing from the matter due to non-payment.

ALSO READ: Trial postponed again: Zietta Janse van Rensburg returns to court in June

On Thursday, the postponement was handled by Magistrate Ningi Neku, who provisionally scheduled the next hearing for 11 February at the Malalane Periodical Court. This hearing is intended to set a new trial date. It was mutually agreed that Lamberti’s attendance would not be required at the February appearance.