Acid attack bail hearing postponed after Magistrate recusal - nbc скачать в хорошем качестве

Acid attack bail hearing postponed after Magistrate recusal - nbc

The bail application for one of the accused in the acid attack case against a public prosecutor has been postponed again after presiding Magistrate Siegfried Geiseb recused himself. Magistrate Geiseb cited a conflict of interest in the case involving Dr Fillemon Nakanduungile. It is believed he once worked with Nakanduungile's defence lawyer. However, defence lawyer Petrus Elago, who spoke to NBC News, said there is no need for Geiseb to recuse himself because there is no conflict of interest in his view. He explained, "It is an interpretation of a particular rule relating to recusal. The presiding officer does not know the accused and has probably never met him; this is the person whose case we are bringing to the fore." Asked how many magistrates have recused themselves so far, Elago said he is not sure. The case is postponed to 16 March 2026, as both prosecution and defence will consult the Judicial Service Commission. They hope another presiding magistrate will be appointed.