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A 52-year-old Zimbabwean attorney continued his bid for bail in the East London Magistrate's Court on Thursday, over his alleged misappropriation of Road Accident Funds claims meant for his clients.
Manfred Chinamasa testified that he had built personal relationships with the clients he allegedly duped out of millions.
He however disputed the accuracy of the large sums of money written in the charge sheet, saying they do not account for his legal fees of up to 25%
Chinamasa faces five counts of theft, with two counts recently added by state prosecutor, Siphamandla Ngxokolo.
Represented by advocate Dumisani Skoti, Chinamasa is alleged to have been the sole signatory of four accounts where his victims' RAF claims were deposited.
One of the counts relates to former world boxing champion Simpiwe Vetyeka from Mdantsane, who was injured in a hit-and-run accident six years ago.
Chinamasa took the stand and testified that he is unaware of the two warrants that were previously issued for his arrests, and says he and his wife can only afford bail of R10 000.
While he says he is not a flight risk, Advocate Ngxokolo put it to the applicant that he was planning to flee his Beacon Bay home when the Hawks arrested him on 7 February, as his house was empty and is currently up for sale.
The Zimbabwean National has lived in South Africa since 1995, and lectured law at Fort Hare University for about seven years while operating his East London law firm.
He says he shut its doors in October 2023 however, after he was unknowingly struck off the roll and barred from practicing in October last year.
Chinamasa says he did not ascertain why he was struck from the roll.
His bail application continues on Monday, with the investigating officer expected to take the stand to oppose bail.
