Traffic chief Payne’s sexual assault case hits another delay

Traffic chief Farrel Payne. Picture: Phando Jikelo/African News Agency(ANA)

Traffic chief Farrel Payne. Picture: Phando Jikelo/African News Agency(ANA)

Published Mar 25, 2022

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CAPE TOWN - While another delay has come up in the sexual assault case against traffic chief Farrel Payne, anxiety and sleepless nights have gripped the alleged assault victim ahead of the trial.

The trial against Payne was set to get under way in the Cape Town Regional Court this week, but due to the magistrate falling ill on Wednesday and an urgent matter on the roll on Thursday, the trial was postponed to June 2 and 3.

Payne’s counsel, who had agreed to the postponement, said they wanted the matter “over with” after requesting for an earlier available date for trial to go ahead.

The bail of R5 000 for Payne, who appeared in the dock wearing a black suit, has been extended.

The complainant, who asked not to be named out of fear of victimisation, arrived at court with her husband and sister. She said while she was relieved they had more time to prepare for trial, she felt anxious and had sleepless nights.

She has been booked off on indefinite incapacitated leave since October last year after reporting the matter.

The woman, who worked in the same department as Payne, said she had been up since 2am in the lead-up to the court proceedings.

“I woke up ready for today, but everything happens for a reason, even this taxi strike and (the court saying) they have more serious cases to attend to (on Thursday). At least I am able to prepare,” said the complainant.

“It has been a trying few months, but I spoke out after five years. I am ready to speak out about what had happened to me and how I was treated.”

The woman said she had not been offered counselling.

Payne, who failed in his representations made to the senior prosecutor, faces charges of sexual assault, crimen injuria and an attempt to commit a sexual act.

An internal disciplinary process against Payne was concluded last year when the department said “no prima facie evidence” could be found against him.

The department said they would not review their internal disciplinary decision, while provincial MEC for the department, Daylin Mitchell, answering a parliamentary question earlier this month said “there is no investigation being undertaken by the department in relation to the court case”.

Cape Times