Omotoso trial delayed for exams
Judge Mandela Makaula on Wednesday wished the state’s first witness in the trial of Pastor Timothy Omotoso luck for her exams as he postponed the matter to Monday.
This comes as supporters for and against the controversial televangelist clashed outside the Port Elizabeth high court‚ with defence attorney Peter Daubermann escorted to his car by police after protesters hurled insults and water at him.
Cheryl Zondi‚ 22‚ a secondyear marketing student at the University of Johannesburg‚ has been on the stand since last Wednesday and has already missed one exam as a result.
Zondi, a state witness, has an exam scheduled for this Monday, which Makaula said she should not miss.
“On behalf of the court‚ we wish you luck. You must pass your exams. That is your future. You must concentrate on your future‚” Makaula told Zondi.
“You are not doing it for yourself‚ coming to this court. It’s not about yourself‚ it’s about justice. So leave everything to us and go and write your exams.”
Makaula reminded Zondi she was still under oath and being cross-examined, and was not to discuss the case.
Meanwhile, chaos erupted outside the court between two opposing groups.
Church supporters for Omotoso went head to head with members of the #TotalShutdown movement, who gathered outside the court in support of Zondi and other complainants against Omotoso.
Police were called in to keep the two groups apart as they sang and chanted.