‘Spiritual battle’ in court as rape accused’s lawyer quits

THE LATEST legal representative for rape accused Douglas Mthukwane withdrew his legal services when closing arguments were scheduled to be presented in the Northern Cape High Court on July 18.

Mthukwane is facing charges of rape involving three complainants, including a 14-year-old girl.

Renier Pieterse, who had been representing Mthukwane, attributed his withdrawal to a “lack of trust” between himself and the accused.

Mthukwane told the court that the delay in proceedings was not of his own making.

“This spiritual matter was dragged into a criminal court. I got wind of his feeling that I lost confidence in him. He reluctantly agreed to give me a copy of the State's closing arguments. I spoke to my mother to speak to Pieterse.

“I e-mailed him as I understood that it would portray me in a dim light. The State's heads of argument is filled with flagrant inaccuracies and makes a mockery of the prosecutorial guidelines of the National Prosecuting Authority.”

He added that he wanted to write his own heads of argument.

“I did not receive a response to my e-mail.  I went to hell because of this case and was kept in custody for a nefarious political agenda.”

Mthukwane stated that he would not be able to represent himself as he was not legally trained.

“I am skilled in court reporting as I am a journalist, but I do not have access to case law."  

The High Court unit manager at Legal Aid South Africa, Pierre Fourie, indicated that the accused would have to submit a new application for legal representation.

“He will be informed if his application has been granted or not.” 

Acting Judge Sharon Erasmus said the court transcripts were recorded, and a new legal representative would be able to continue with closing arguments on August 5.

She added that Mthukwane would be allowed to provide input when the defence’s heads of argument were compiled.

Mthukwane remains out on bail.