Fraud and corruption accused Schabir Shaik failed to make it back to the Durban High Court after lunch on Tuesday due to chest pains.
Shaik’s lawyer, Francois van Zyl, said his client visited a specialist physician during the lunch break and was advised to stay in bed for the rest of Tuesday, as well as Wednesday.
He said Shaik’s blood pressure is the cause of his chest pains and he also has a respiratory-tract infection.
Judge Hillary Squires provisionally adjourned the case until 10am on Wednesday, saying Van Zyl should monitor his client’s progress and that the case will resume if Shaik is feeling better.
Earlier, as Shaik left the court, he walked up to prosecutor Billy Downer and apologised for not feeling well, to which Downer replied: ”I’m sorry I’m having this effect on you.”
Downer’s assistant, Anton Steynberg, laughingly said Shaik became sick when he heard the state refer to the death penalty.
Since Friday, Downer has been arguing the admissability of seven documents, including the infamous encrypted fax to which the defence is opposed. — Sapa