Bishop Zondo fights for judge’s recusal in rape case

RIVERS of Living Waters Church leader Bishop Bafana Stephen Zondo yesterday asked for the recusal of the judge hearing the trial in which he is accused of raping members of his flock, claiming that the judge is biased and has already made up his mind about his guilt.

- ZELDA VENTER

Zondo last month applied for a discharge on the 10 charges he is facing. This came after the State had closed its case following a lengthy trial.

It was Zondo’s turn to present his defence before the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria. He did not disclose that he is not acquital as he argued that at this point, the State did not prove that he had a case to answer to.

According to him, the evidence was weak and it is clear that their versions were fabricated. Judge Papi Mosopa, however, last month turned down his application and said at this point, Zondo did have a case to answer to.

In July last week, Zondo’s legal team, headed by Advocate Piet Pistorius, asked for the judge to recuse himself.

In presenting his arguments on Wednesday, Pistorius said the judge made remarks during his judgment in the dis-missal application which indicated that he had already made up his mind that Zondo was guilty.