The cross-examination of Hawks officer Edward Du Plessis in the trial against alleged underworld kingpin Nafiz Modack has been put on hold in the Western Cape High Court. The delay occurred on Monday as court proceedings were set to resume after a recess.
Nafiz Modack and 14 co-accused face over 100 charges related to various alleged criminal activities. During the trial, Officer Du Plessis presented key evidence, including cellphone extraction reports and financial audits, which are crucial to the 124 charges against Modack and his associates.
One significant piece of evidence involved Empire Investment Cars, a company allegedly used by Modack to pay some of the accused to commit crimes. This revelation has recently complicated proceedings, as it emerged that the same company had been used to pay one of the attorneys representing two of the accused. As a result, the attorney is now seeking counsel before the trial can proceed.
The trial, which had been on hold since June 23 due to the court’s recess, was set to continue with Du Plessis’ cross-examination by the defense attorneys. However, the unexpected complication involving the attorney’s payment has led to further delays.