The three men accused of crimes related to the poaching of some 13 rhino between 2014 and 2016 have run out of funds for their defence just as their trial comes to an end.
But, Advocate Terry Price, senior counsel for Jabulani Ndlovu, 40, Forget Ndlovu, 37, and Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu, 38, says he intended acting pro bono for the men as the trial was now almost complete.
“I don’t have an instructing attorney as the finances have dried up,” he informed Judge Jeremy Pickering on Monday morning.
He was referring to instructing attorney Alwyn Griebenow who had terminated his mandate after the money ran out. “However, I will act pro bono till the matter is over,” added Price
.“I started, and intend finishing it.” However, Price asked the court for a further postponement as he had not managed to complete his heads of argument in the complicated matter. Both he and prosecutor, senior state advocate Buks Coetzee were scheduled to argue on Monday.
Coetzee indicated he was ready to argue and handed up his heads of argument. Price handed up more than 40 pages of argument but indicated it was incomplete.
In his argument, he must deal with a complicated web of circumstantial evidence, including complex cellphone records, which Coetzee argues ties the three men directly to at least 13 rhino poaching incidents.
Judge Pickering postponed the matter to Monday, March 11 for argument.
He indicated he would hear argument that week and hand down judgment as soon thereafter as possible. The three men are out on bail...