LAUREN O’CONNOR-MAY
Irma Jackson, a former ward councillor for Strandfontein and Rocklands, appeared briefly in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court on Friday April 8, alongside co-accused Paul van der Schyff and Numan Roman.
The three are accused of taking thousands of rands from about 30 families in exchange for properties in a low-cost housing scheme. All three are out on bail of R1 000 each.
On Friday February 19, Magistrate Aleem Kader had postponed the case, honouring requests from both the prosecuting and defending attorneys (“Fraud case postponed”, Plainsman, February 24).
The prosecuting attorney had needed to interview witnesses and the defence attorney to consult with Mr Roman who had chosen to represent himself in court.
Magistrate Zainunisa Ariefdien, filling in for Mr Kader, asked the prosecuting attorney, Juwaya Kleinsmith, if the state had completed its case.
“The state is ready,” Ms Kleinsmith replied.
Ms Ariefdien enquired whe-ther Mr Roman still intended representing himself in court and defence attorney Ruwayda Coetzee said that he did.
“I trust that you are familiar with the allegations of fraud and that you will be able to defend these charges adequately?” Ms Ariefdien asked, addressing Mr Roman, who replied that he was.
Ms Coetzee, then asked if the case could be postponed so that she could consult with Mr Roman regarding financial instructions.
The case is scheduled to resume on Friday May 6.
