The R@PE trial of controversial residential waters church leader Stephen Bafana Zondo has been postponed until Wednesday, March 19 to allow his defense team to obtain a verdict confirming that he has a case to answer.
Zondo faces 10 charges, including allegations of assault on S3xual and R@PE for seven women, most of whom are members of his church.
On Friday, March 14, he requested that some charges be dismissed under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. Justice Mokhine Mosopa said: “It is necessary for the defendant to answer the charges.”
Although the case was initially restored on Monday, both the prosecution and defense lawyers met in the judge’s chamber to demand a verdict. As a result, Mosapa postponed the lawsuit until Wednesday to allow his secretary to provide the necessary documents to the defense.
Zondo’s attorney Jeffery Rahlangane spoke outside the court, highlighting the importance of obtaining a judgment. “If we want to appeal, or at a later stage, we seek a judge’s review, this judgment will be important,” Lahrangaen said. The trial continues as Zondo’s serious allegations against him are still under review.
