The sex-crimes trial of advocates Dirk Prinsloo and Cezanne Visser will be closed to the public for some weeks, it appeared on Wednesday.
Pretoria High Court Judge Essop Patel ordered last week that the evidence of one of the alleged victims — a woman who had worked for Prinsloo and Visser — be heard in camera.
The woman testified on Tuesday that the accused sexually fondled her and that she was made to perform sexual acts with them.
The woman also claimed that she was assaulted by Prinsloo.
She was still in the witness box on Wednesday, and it is expected that her cross-examination by Prinsloo’s counsel will last some time.
Two other alleged victims — girls from a children’s home — will give evidence after the woman.
The girls — aged 11 and 15 at the time of the alleged offences — claimed they were subjected to sexual acts while on a weekend visit to the accused, who were then a couple.
The court earlier heard that the 11-year-old cried bitterly when she told a social worker of her nightmare weekend. She told in tears how Visser undressed in front of her and allegedly showed her her breasts, which were a size 34 double D at the time. They have since then been reduced to their normal B-size.
The girl also said Visser showed her a tattoo on her private parts, bearing the name ”Dirk”.
Other claims included that Visser had oral sex with Prinsloo in front of one of the girls, and that after demonstrating how a vibrator worked, offered to buy one for her.
The trial was set down until December 12, but it has been delayed by applications on various technical points. Judge Patel asked the parties last week not delay the proceedings by frivolous applications. — Sapa