Overview

• Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng granted a postponement, moving proceedings in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to 13 October.
• Defence counsel said they are not ready after failing to locate and consult key witnesses dispersed across North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
• Prosecutor George Baloyi did not oppose the delay and cited the defendants’ right to prepare after the state shared some witness contacts and sought readiness on 17 September.
• Lawyers for multiple accused, including Advocates Charles Mnisi and Sipho Ramosepele, described ongoing travel and pending meetings to secure witness attendance.
• Accused four, Mthokoziseni Maphisa, intends to testify in his defence, though his team said further consultations remain outstanding as the defence phase begins after the state’s July close.