Cape Town - A Western Cape High Court judge gave the lawyer defending Anni Dewani's alleged killer a stern warning over his conduct on Tuesday.
The trial of alleged gunman Xolile Mngeni started almost an hour late, and Judge Robert Henney demanded to know why lawyer Qalisile Dayimani had held up proceedings.
Dayimani said he had been settling papers with his client for an application for a transcription of proceedings.
He said he would have prepared these papers earlier, but had difficulty getting through to his client in Pollsmoor Prison at the weekend. Henney sharply rebuked the lawyer, saying court time should not be used for such purposes.
“If this happens again, I will continue the trial in your absence... If this happens again, I'll report you to the Law Society.”
Mngeni has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Anni and her husband Shrien were on honeymoon in Cape Town when she was shot and killed in an apparent hijacking, on November 13, 2010.
Mziwamadoda Qwabe, who was given 25 years in jail on the same charges, will continue being cross-examined on Tuesday about the murder plot.
The plot was allegedly masterminded by Shrien, who has repeatedly denied the allegation. - Sapa