Controversial Soweto principal Jackie Maarohanye is to testify in the Protea Magistrate’s Court when she returns to the dock on a kidnapping charge next month.
Maarohanye (49), Ronnie Nyakale (34) and Mpho Makhate (21) are facing charges of assaulting and kidnapping a former Ithuteng Trust student, Siphiwe Ncugothu, on February 21 2006.
Her lawyer, Ike Motloung, told the court on Wednesday he did not intend calling witnesses other than the three accused.
”I hope to call all the accused to testify in their defence on their next appearance,” he said.
Magistrate David Mhango granted a postponement to November 5.
The accused initially faced four charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, two charges of kidnapping and indecent assault.
On Wednesday, five of the seven counts against Maarohanye, principal of Ithuteng Trust, were withdrawn.
She will now stand trial on two counts of kidnapping.
Nyakale and Makhate are now faced with five charges after the indecent assault and one count of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm were withdrawn against them.
Mhango said the trio had an opportunity to testify, but could exercise their right to remain silent.
”In the absence of their evidence I will definitely convict them based on the evidence that has been presented before court.”
The three opted to testify, and Nyakale was the first to take the stand.
Nyakale, a drama teacher at the school, denied intimidating, assaulting and kidnapping Ncugothu. On the day in question, went to the school to conduct a leadership workshop, he said. — Sapa