Johannesburg - Proceedings in the High Court sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court were briefly interrupted on Friday after the cross-examination of a minor irritated the judge.
Advocate Enrico Guarneri was cross-examining the girl who survived an apparent satanic attack when Judge Geraldine Borchers thought he was asking the victim to repeat herself unnecessarily.
The girl was testifying in the trial of Lindon Wagner, Robin Harwood, Harvey Isha, and Courtney Daniels.
They have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm.
In October 2011, Kirsty Theologo, 18, was doused with petrol and set alight on a hill behind the Linmeyer swimming pool south of Johannesburg.
She died a week later in Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Her friend, who was 14 at the time, and also burnt, survived.
Guarneri, representing Daniels, was questioning the girl on evidence she gave concerning the events leading up to the alleged ritual.
She had described how she and Theologo had walked up to the hill with the accused. On their way there some of the accused separated into small groups, holding private conversations.
Guarneri asked the girl to tell the court again who had been walking with who at the time.
Borchers interrupted him, asking what the point of his questions were if the girl had already answered them previously.
He responded saying he was entitled to ask the girl questions to ensure that her previous statements, which involved his client, were not mistaken.
“But it's pointless... think about it... where does it get you?” asked Borchers.
The court was adjourned for a few minutes to allow for a short break.
When the cross-examination was resumed, and Guarneri continued questioning the girl, he was again interrupted by Borchers.
She again said she found his method of questioning a waste of time as the girl had given evidence along those lines previously during the trial.
The legal representatives of all the accused were expected to cross-examine the girl on Friday.
The trial continues. - Sapa