Incessant questioning by relentless prosecutor Billy Downer appears to be taking its toll on fraud and corruption accused Schabir Shaik in the Durban High Court.
”It’s been a long trial. I have been under a lot of stress and my words are spinning out of context. I am trying to be accurate and I ask for your forgiveness,” Shaik told Downer at one stage.
This was his reply when Downer asked why Shaik had changed his version of events surrounding an auditors’ meeting to discuss the irregular write-off of R1,2-million from his company’s books.
For the past two days, Shaik has insisted that he had no idea what the outcome of the meeting was. However, in his evidence-in-chief last week he said he had been informed by his tax specialist, Paul Gering, and his financial director, Colin Isaacs.
The meeting was called after Shaik received a letter of resignation from his former accountant Celia Bester, who said she would not put irregular transactions in her books.
On Thursday, Judge Hillary Squires had to play referee several times in arguments between Shaik and Downer.
At one stage, Shaik looked at Downer and said: ”This is typical of what the state wants to do.”
Squires stepped in saying: ”Just answer the question.”
Later, Squires turned on Downer, saying: ”Downer, just confine your cross-examination to questions you want to ask.”
Shaik also told Downer: ”You are not an entrepreneur, with respect. This is exactly how it’s done in business.”
The trial continues. — Sapa