Developing story: this report is based on one source and will be updated as more detail on the amended charges becomes available.
The fraud and corruption trial of former acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and five co-accused has been postponed to 12 November, after the State asked for time to amend the charges they face.
The accused appeared in the High Court in Pretoria on Monday. The case was postponed to 9 November last week so that the local government elections could conclude.
What the case is about
The case involves two South African Police Service contracts worth about R54 million. The State alleges that procurement processes for police monitoring software systems were manipulated during Phahlane's time as acting National Police Commissioner. The accused are presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.
What happens next
The matter returns to court on 12 November. If the State amends the charge sheet, the accused will be asked to respond to the new charges, and the timetable for the trial could change as a result.
What we do not yet know
- The nature of the amendments the State intends to make to the charges.
- The names of the five co-accused, which were not confirmed in the report we relied on.
- Whether the defence will oppose the amendment, and what effect it could have on the trial date.
- The time and courtroom for the 12 November appearance.
