South African court refers police captain’s case for review over lawyer’s authority
In Komani, South Africa, a court has referred for review the case of police captain Zimhita Duda, who is charged with fraud and money laundering. The reason was that her lawyer did not have a certificate authorizing him to represent cases in the regional court, Daily Maverick reports.
The court sent the materials to the Legal Practice Council for review and recommendations on further action. National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said that before this, the prosecution and the defense had completed presenting their positions, and the case was at the decision stage.
Accommodation charges
The case is linked to Duda’s work trip to Maletswai, scheduled for October 31 to November 4, 2023. At that time, she was the commander of a small police station in Glen Grey, north of Komani.
According to the indictment, Duda allegedly booked four nights at a guesthouse, stating a cost of 900 rand per night, although the actual price was 450 rand. The owner of the establishment initially sent Komani police an invoice for 1,800 rand for four nights. According to the prosecution, Duda later asked her to issue an amended invoice for 3,600 rand.
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Investigators allege that the guesthouse owner was also asked to transfer the 1,800-rand difference to a bank account which, according to the investigation, belonged to Duda’s daughter. The review began after the relevant police unit in Komani received two invoices with different amounts.
Possible next steps
The guesthouse owner, who asked not to be named, became the prosecution’s final witness. After testifying in court, she said she did not attach proper importance to the request to alter the invoices, as Duda allegedly explained that management would ask for the money to be returned.
According to Tyali, Duda may be required to hire a new lawyer, in which case the proceedings could continue from the current stage. Another possible option is to start the process anew, rehearing witnesses and examining evidence again. The final decision will depend on the results of the Legal Practice Council’s review.
