The defence attorney of a bishop on trial for the alleged rape of a 17-year-old minor has requested a second application to subpoena more witnesses at the Springs Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The bishop’s first application to this effect, made on November 14, was denied by Magistrate Khensane Moila, who stated it is too early in the trial to use this measure.
“The Act (Criminal Procedures Act 51 of 1977 section 186) allows for the court to, at any stage of criminal proceedings, subpoena any person as a witness if the evidence of such witness appears to the court essential to the just decision of the case.
“The state and defence have not closed their cases yet, and that is the only time this option can be explored,” she explains.
The 52-year-old bishop pleaded not guilty to the rape charge earlier this year after he was arrested in November 2016.
He was granted bail shortly after his arrest and is currently out on extended bail.
It is alleged the sexual relationship began when the victim, who was a congregant at his church, was 15 years old.
Speaking outside the court after his last appearance, the victim’s mother says: “I trusted this man with everything.
“He has really hurt my family and me so deeply.
“We have been in and out of court all year.”
The trial began in February and the family hoped it would be concluded by the end of this year.
However, the case has been postponed to January 17, 2018.
