THE case involving Senior officer Dave Middleton (58) from Hibiscus Coast Protection Services took a new turn today (Monday) when his attorney Larry Seethal from Seethal Attorneys informed the court that he has withdrawn from the case.
Supt Middleton currently faces 15 charges, including two counts of rape, various counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual grooming of a child, display and exposure of child pornography and intimidation.
Dressed in a smart black suit, Superintendent Middleton appeared in the Port Shepstone Regional Court looking frail and drained.
Mr Seethal informed the court that he was withdrawing from the case, and that Attorney Xolile Ntshulana would now be respresenting Supt Middleton.
Senior magistrate Johan Bester postponed the case to July 28 to 31 for trial.
The court heard that the state is still waiting for the forensic evidence from the computer equipment which was confiscated from Supt Middleton after his arrest.
As a result, Supt Middleton will appear before his trial date, on June 13, for the ‘final discovery’.
Mr Bester explained to Supt Middleton that this would enable the state to provide information to his attorney, so it can be discussed with him.
“We don’t want any delays in the case. We want to tackle the matter and finalise it,” said Mr Bester.
Mr Bester said Supt Middleton would remain in custody, unless he wanted to bring another bail application forward.
Supt Middleton has failed on three occasions in his application for bail, first at the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court and later at the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Supt Middleton, who has been employed at the municipality for 20 years and has numerous businesses on the South Coast, has pleaded not guilty.
He was seen leaving the regional court carrying a novel, and handcuffed to human trafficking accused Veeran Palan, who also appeared in court today.
