Drug trial delayed again by illness

JUDGMENT in the long-running trial of alleged Port Elizabeth drug kingpin Livingstone Makasholo was postponed yesterday after the accused sent a doctor's note to court stating that he had gastroenteritis.

Makasholo, 56, was due to receive judgment  in the Port Elizabeth High Court yesterday on charges of dealing in drugs, corruption, money laundering and the possession of an unlicensed firearm.

However, the case, which dates back to April 2010, was brought to a halt yesterday for yet another of Makasholo's ailments. In September 2011, the trial had to be halted when Makasholo, who had arrived at court in a wheelchair and wrapped in a blanket, started rolling on the floor, claiming to be in pain.

Yesterday, a doctor's note said he had gastro and suffered from dehydration. The matter was then postponed to July 22 for judgment. - Kathryn Kimberley