Publications
Partners
The theft of the Hawks docket on Democratic Alliance MP Glynnis Breytenbach’s case would not affect her trial, the National Prosecuting Authority said today.
“The issue of the disappearance of the docket will not affect the case in any way as we had already given the defence team a copy. It’s a non-issue,” said NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku.
The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court today set the trial date for July 18.
“The state and defence council met and a trial date was agreed upon. Further particulars will be given to the defence before then,” said prosecutor Raymond Mathenjwa.
Breytenbach and her co-accused, Gerhard Wagenaar, face charges of obstructing and defeating the ends of justice. They are out on bail of R10 000 each, which was extended.
The NPA claimed that in 2012, Breytenbach shredded papers and wiped clean her laptop while she was still the head of the organisation’s specialised commercial crimes unit, in violation of the NPA Act. Wagenaar, her former lawyer, allegedly refused to hand over her laptop, which was believed to contain evidence relevant to a misconduct case the NPA was investigating against her.
A week after her appearance in March, the Hawks said the docket on Breytenbach had been stolen.
At the time, Hawks spokesperson Major Robert Netshiunda said the docket was stolen from a vehicle used by one of the members of the investigation team.
“Suspects broke into the vehicle of one of the team members investigating the case when it was parked next to our offices in Sunnyside, Pretoria...
“Only the said docket was stolen,” he said.
Netshiunda added that a copy of the docket had been given to Breytenbach’s lawyers. The trial will be at Pretoria North Regional Court.
Breytenbach, herself, said she was looking forward to clearing her name in court. She still maintained that she felt the matter was politically motivated.
“Nothing has happened to change my thinking that this is politically motivated. I’m extremely confident at clearing my name. Let’s get it over and done with,” she said.
Breytenbach added that she did not believe the case would hold up in court. “I’m a lawyer and I have read the docket. I know what a case is and what is not. I have been doing this for 26 years,” said Breytenbach.
She said her party has been very supportive throughout the matter. Asked if she would resign if found guilty, Breytenbach said she served the party and would do as instructed. – News24
