New information sees ‘k-word case’ postponed

It's not clear what the new evidence is, but the defence has now been given ample time to study it.

Defence lawyer Barry Roux, left, leaves the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg with Investec chief executive Fana Titi, after he brought charges of crimen injuria against Peter – Paul Ngwenya for calling him the k- word, 23 April 2018. Picture: Nigel Sibanda

The so-called “k-word SMS” case was postponed yesterday in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, following a revelation that the state had received new information on the case.

The case has moved on from Columbia Media director Sibusiso Peter-Paul Ngwenya’s SMS to former Kumba Iron Ore chairperson and current co-chairman of Investec Fani Titi, calling Titi a “QwaQwa k****r” (crimen injuria), to the mechanics of what caused Ngwenya’s outburst and whether he overstepped a protection order.

It’s unclear what the new evidence contains, but a lengthy postponement was granted so Ngwenya’s defence could go through the documents.

State prosecutor Yusuf Baba closed the state’s case and will have to reapply to open it following the information, delivered by advocate Barry Roux, who is acting on a watching brief for Titi.

Ngwenya faces two counts of contravening a protection order obtained against him by Titi and Aqueel Patel, managing director of MRC Management Services.

The matter is expected to proceed on June 27.

– amandaw@citizen.co.za

ALSO READ: Everything you ever wanted to know about the ‘k-word case’

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