The bail application of a Durbanville paralegal accused of illegally representing himself as an attorney was postponed by the Goodwood Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Magistrate Sean Lea postponed 45-year-old Chris Lodewyk's application until Friday because the investigating officer was not in court.
The prosecutor said the officer was on leave, and was not aware that his presence was required.
Lodewyk's lawyer Eckhard Rosemann said the officer was present in court during Lodewyk's first appearance on April 26.
“The investigating officer is thus aware of the intended bail application, but has chosen not to attend the proceedings,” he said.
Lodewyk was arrested on Tuesday.
According to the charge sheet, he allegedly unlawfully undertook to legally represent Thomas Watkins in a civil matter in March 2008.
He also allegedly falsely informed Michael Claasen in April last year that he was able to assist him with cases in the lower and higher courts, inducing Claasen to pay him R5756.
Lodewyk allegedly similarly induced Werner Schreuder, in November, to pay him R80 000 under a similar false pretence.
Paralegal training qualifies a graduate to work only as a legal secretary, and not to practice as an attorney. - Sapa