Bishop Sinclair case postponed again due to absence of legal representative
The Presiding Officer, Magistrate Jane Ngobeni said due to Ramusi’s absence, the case would be postponed to 30 October, when the two legal representatives would be presenting their final arguments and a date would be set for judgment.
POLOKWANE – The case of Bishop Lucas Peter Sinclair, which was heard in the Polokwane Regional Court last Friday, 4 October, was postponed.
Read more: Bishop Sinclair case nearing conclusion
His legal representative, Adv Lot Ramusi, was indisposed and could not attend the court hearing as he was at the doctor. Ramusi was involved in a vehicle accident earlier this year in which he sustained serious injuries. According to advocate Dayoff Mashapu, who stood in for Ramusi, he may be heading for an operation to his knee.
The Presiding Officer, Magistrate Jane Ngobeni said due to Ramusi’s absence, the case would be postponed to 30 October, when the two legal representatives would be presenting their final arguments and a date would be set for judgment. Sinclair’s bail was extended.
Sinclair was apprehended in February 2016 on several counts of sexual assault and charges of public indecency. Following a series of alleged indecent acts, a number of women from Sinclairs’ church community came forward. Sinclair was charged with seven counts of assault: three sexual assaults, three indecency assaults and an attempted sexual assault, all of which he pleaded not guilty to.
Read more: Bishop to appear in court for sexual assault
He initially was arrested on four counts of sexual assault against women in his community but a fifth sexual assault charge was also laid against him following his arrest. The trial started on 3 March 2017. He was released on R5 000 bail.
