The ongoing trial of rape accused Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso hit another snag in the Port Elizabeth High Court on Monday.
Rulings on two separate applications by the State and defence were expected to be heard, but proceedings took an unexpected turn when the court instead heard that a new counsel for the State would be appointed.
Last week, the State applied to amend the indictment against Omotoso and his two co-accused, while defence attorney Peter Daubermann called for the evidence of two previous state witnesses to be struck off the roll due to several discrepancies between their sworn statements and their testimony.
On Monday, prosecutor Ishmet Cerfontein cited on behalf of her colleague and fellow prosecutor Nceba Ntelwa, who was not present in court, that he would no longer be available for the rest of the trial.
She said the case would now be led by her alongside a new colleague who is yet to be named.
Daubermann said while his clients were not happy with the new development, he would not oppose the application.
The case was postponed to the 14th of April.
Omotoso remains in custody at St Albans prison while the bail of his two co-accused was extended.
