A forensic expert may be called in to testify in the hate speech case against suspended ANC Youth League spokesman Floyd Shivambu, the Johannesburg Equality Court heard on Tuesday.
"We should make provision for experts who may be required...and a forensic expert...to view the cellphone and check the SIM card," said Richard Moultrie, counsel for journalist Carien du Plessis.
"If the respondent admits he did send the sms then the complainant does not need to bring a forensic expert... an expert who has already examined her phone".
He proposed that evidence should not only be detailed in affidavits but that the complainant and respondent be cross-examined on their evidence.
Du Plessis, who worked for Independent Newspapers at the time in May 2010, alleged that in an SMS exchange between herself and Shivambu, he wrote: "You must learn to respect people. I don't comment on YCL issues and please stop being stupid".
He further wrote: "I wouldn't want to earn respect from white bitches... so dream on." The two had not been in contact since the incident.
Du Plessis is suing Shivambu for R100,000 in damages. (Sapa)
