Top legal eagle in the dock for assault

ONE of South Africa's top legal minds, William Booth, swapped his robes for the dock yesterday to answer to assault charges in the Bellville Magistrate's Court.

The case dates back to February 2008 when he had an altercation with former prosecutor Deolin Willemse, who is now an advocate in Bhisho.

Booth, who is facing a charge of common assault, is chairman of the Law Society of South Africa and has represented a number of high-profile clients.

His lawyer, Daniel Rossouw, said Willemse had got into a rage and tried to headbutt Booth after he conveyed a message from the control prosecutor that he should place one of his clients' cases on the court roll.

In response, Booth had allegedly tugged Willem- se's court gown.

Rossouw said newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions Mxolisi Nxasana's decision to prosecute Booth after almost six years was inexplicable.

He said Booth would apply to the Western Cape High Court for a permanent stay of prosecution.

The case was postponed to October 14. – Philani Nombembe