The trial of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso has been adjourned until Thursday in the Port Elizabeth High Court.
This follows Judge Mandela Makaula dismissal of an application by defence lawyer Peter Daubermann for the judge to recuse himself from the case.
Daubermann argued in his application that the judge is biased and has aligned himself with first state witness Cheryl Zondi.
But Judge Makaula has dismissed his application, saying it has no merit.
Judge Makaula said he will not recuse himself from the Omotoso trial, as the application has no merit.
Defence lawyer Daubermann then reacted that they will appeal and asked for a postponement for three days to enable a senior council to prepare.
The state prosecutor will give his reasons why court has to continue. If the judge will be replaced the case will start again from the beginning.
Omotoso faces charges ranging from trafficking for sexual purposes and racketeering to rape and sexual assault.
Several high ranking politicians attended the rape trial of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso. Amongst them are Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, Communications minister Nomvulo Mokonyane
and minister in the Presidency for women Bathabile Dlamini.
Earlier Minister in the Presidency for Women, Bathabile Dlamini briefed the media outside court and condemned the acts of gender violence disguised as religion.
