Gumbura's lawyer quits

RMG Independent End Time Message church leader Robert Martin Gumbura's lawyer Rekai Maposa yesterday recused herself from representing the fallen cleric on a fresh rape charge.

Maposa indicated that she was now emotionally involved in the matter owing to what was transpiring on the ground hence she has instructed an advocate to proceed with the trial.

Gumbura has since hired Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba to represent him in the case that was postponed to April 29. Magwaliba is also representing Gumbura in his bail application at the High Court.

Maposa said after court that the prevailing situation regarding Gumbura's trial had now turned into a personal attack on her integrity as a lawyer as it seemed she was being victimised for representing Gumbura in this matter.

Maphosa, who has been representing Gumbura on rape charges since last year, told the court she recused herself after realising the state was out to frustrate her by continuously postponing the trial of the fresh case.

"May I inform this honourable court that trial cannot kick off as scheduled, for my client (Gumbura) has secured the services of Advocate Magwaliba," Maphosa said.

"It seemed as if the state is out to frustrate me for the authorities were behind the postponement of this case since December.

"The state must not abuse its position to continuously be the dominant part. I also had become emotionally attached to this case resulting in the honourable court reprimanding me in the past, so on professional reasons, I feel Magwaliba is better placed to handle this matter for he is very experienced," Maphosa said.

Maphosa begged the court to postpone the matter as Magwaliba was in South Africa for official business.

"I beg this court to postpone the matter as Magwaliba is engrossed in another matter in South Africa. He said when he comes back from that country, he would be ready to represent Gumbura…it is his constitutional right to choose a lawyer of his own choice (sic)," said Maphosa.

She queried why the State always prevailed over the defence in the matter.

This ended up his trial being deferred to April 29.