PERMISSION TO TESTFY IN SHABIR SHAIK TRIAL GRANTED
2004-10-14. The Independent Democrats Leader, Patricia de Lille, will definitely take the stand and give evidence in Mr Shabir Shaik trial as subpoenaed by the National Prosecutions Authority (NPA). This follows the granting of permission, in terms of Section 10 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Act: 2004, by the National Assembly Speaker, Baleka Mbete.
In terms of the Act, the ID Leader was expected to first seek the
permission of parliament before testifying in the trial. De Lille wrote
to the Speaker of Parliament earlier this week seeking clarity about
her position and asked for parliament to grant her permission to give
evidence.
"I believe in the rule of law and since I was subpoenaed to appear before a legitimate Court and give evidence, I could not refuse but to honour request. I always hold the view that all the people implicated in this trial should be presume innocent until proven guilty. They should be given an opportunity to clear their names and only the court can afford that," said Patricia de Lille.
Issued by Thulani Sithole, Media Officer, 084 233 3811 / 021 403 8672
"I believe in the rule of law and since I was subpoenaed to appear before a legitimate Court and give evidence, I could not refuse but to honour request. I always hold the view that all the people implicated in this trial should be presume innocent until proven guilty. They should be given an opportunity to clear their names and only the court can afford that," said Patricia de Lille.
Issued by Thulani Sithole, Media Officer, 084 233 3811 / 021 403 8672
