The ongoing murder trial against Nafiz Modack hit another snag this week as one of the defence lawyers had to address a potential conflict of interest.
Also read: Modack trial: Kinnear pinged over 100 times per day before assassination
Although Judge Robert Henney expressed his displeasure at the case being postponed. However, he believed it was necessary to address any potential concerns with lawyer Nazeer Parkar.
He did not disclose these concerns, however.
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The trial could be in for more delays if Parkar withdraws from the case. The trial, which centres around the murder of Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) senior detective Charl Kinnear, includes allegations of murders of a tow truck driver, the father of a policeman and a cocktail bar employee.
As reported by News24, the trial was supposed to January but was hampered by some of the accused running out of money or still trying to secure funds for private counsel.
While Legal Aid SA stepped in, newly appointed lawyers needed time to get up to speed.
Parkar represents Ziyaad Poole, Moegamat Toufeek ‘Bubbles’ Brown and Moegamat Adiel Mukudam. All three pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
In June, investigating officer Captain Eddie du Plessis presented documents to the court revealing deposits to and from Modack’s company, Empire Investment Cars, a family trust, and several people.
The then-director of the company, his brother Yaseen, sold the company to Mukudam and allegedly backdated the ownership. Mukudam faces charges of money laundering.
The potential conflict of interest arose during this court presentation. Du Plessis remains an active witness.
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Also read:
Modack trial: Ex-cop warned of Kinnear’s danger, struggled to alert authorities
Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images