UPDATE: Pre-trial conference moved to next year in IFP case
The pre- trail conference was adjourned for State Prosecutor Ms Nel to contact the investigating officer
This morning (December 3) the three men accused with conspiracy to commit murder made their way to the Estcourt Regional Court to have their pre-trail conference heard.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Final pre-trial hearing set for IFP case
Former Endumeni Local Municipality Mayor, Richard Mbatha, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Councillor Mthembeni Majola, and alleged hit man, Xolani Makhathini got seated in the dock before their pre-trial conference got underway.
Magistrate Goosen checked with defence if they have both received the complete docket, including the tender documents. Advocate Kay Augustine informed the court that she was not pleased with the docket.
She wanted to clarify whether it was just her copy of form A-6 that was incomplete, as it did not clarify who the statement was made by and appeared as if parts were missing.
READ MORE: UPDATE: IFP duo and co-accused’s case ready for trial
She further inquired about the audio and video recordings, which the state refers to in the docket.
“I do not have copies of either and as this is a pre-trial, we ought to view this,” stated Advocate Kay Augustine.
Magistrate Goosen asked for the state to clarify the concerns, which Advocate Mlotshwa shared as well.
State Prosecutor Ms Nel from Bergville said that she made notes on a duplicate copy of the docket but her A6 document is complete and shows that the statements were made by Sergeant Dube.
She added that the original copy was in Bergville and she will have copies emailed to the defence. The pre-trail conference was then adjourned for State Prosecutor Ms Nel to contact the investigating officer.
READ THIS: UPDATE: Uncertainty in Estcourt Regional Court over IFP case
When the pre-trail conference resumed, the defence agreed that February 12, 2019 would be suitable for them both, including Ms Nel and the investigating officer.
Magistrate Goosen placed on record that everyone involved agreed for the matter to stand off until then, as the investigating officer was meant to be present.
“In order for the matter to proceed and be finalised, certain documentation must be sent to the defence teams,” said Magistrate Goosen
Defence teams as well as accused members were disappointed by yet another delay in the case.
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