The start of the trial has been marred by delays after it was postponed three times last week.  Nkune dismissed his legal aid lawyer on the second day of the trial last week, citing that they did not get along.

Following Nkune’s decision to dismiss his lawyer, the High Court of Mpumalanga postponed the trial twice to give him the opportunity to appoint a new lawyer. Despite the limited six-week timeframe set for this trial, Judge Lindiwe Vuyeka emphasized the importance of ensuring that the accused receives a fair trial. Judge Vuyeka has also summoned the manager of the Legal Aid Board to come to court and explain the process for assigning legal aid lawyers to accused individuals. Nkune is accused of kidnapping and killing Hillary Gardee in 2022 and is facing 12 charges. He is currently serving a life sentence for the 2022 murder of his partner and her sister in KaNyamazane.

–SABC–