Staff Reporter
ACTING Judge Moses Chinhengo has postponed the Fishrot trial to Friday, 8 December 2023, due to the absence of lawyers representing Bernhard Esau and Nigel van Wyk in the high-profile corruption case.
Florian Beukes, representing Esau, was absent during the pre-trial due to being deemed medically unfit. Beukes has therefore been booked off for today and tomorrow.
Commenting on his lawyer’s absence, Esau remarked, “I can’t say anything because I am in the hands of my counsel. So, I can’t say anything to plea or not plea otherwise it will end up jeopardising myself.”
Van Wyk’s lawyer, Mbanga Siyomunji, was also absent as he was out of town and unaware of the trial’s commencement. Van Wyk stressed that he cannot continue with the trial in the absence of his lawyer. However, he assured the judge that he will contact his lawyer to ensure attendance at the trial.
The State, represented by Ed Marondedze, said that they are unable to oppose the application to postpone the matter concerning Esau’s legal representative, citing sickness as beyond anyone’s control. He therefore suggested that it is better to err on the side of caution and postpone the matter until the lawyers are available.
Judge Chinhengo acknowledged Beukes’ valid reason for absence and postponed the trial until Beukes is medically fit to continue. Consequently, the trial will resume on Friday at 10:00.
Leave a Reply