The trial of a former prosecutor charged with corruption and defeating the ends of justice has been postponed to Tuesday at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Giyani.
Ratshilumela Makhado allegedly attempted to quash a negligent driving case against a suspect in return for a bribe in 2020. 49-year-old Makhado later resigned as a prosecutor.
Makhado was not brought to court to start his trial on Monday. The investigating officer told the court that there was a miscommunication between police and Correctional Services officials regarding Makhado’s whereabouts.
He said police realised late that Makhado is being kept at a correctional centre, and not in police custody. Police did not make a request for him to be brought to court on time as a result of the miscommunication.
The prosecution is also expected to ask the court to revoke his R5 000 bail for failing to appear in court and violating bail conditions. He was arrested two weeks while out on bail for allegedly attempting to assassinate a key witness in his corruption and defeating the ends of the justice case.
He allegedly doused petrol and set alight a house belonging to a key witness at Mukula village outside Thohoyandou two weeks ago, the same day he evaded trial.
Makhado is behind bars awaiting bail application on the second case that happened two weeks ago.
