Three witnesses in Sizani case apply for legal representation

[caption id="attachment_65423" align="alignright" width="300"] IN THE DOCK: Portia 'Pankie' Sizani at court Port Elizabeth yesterday[/caption]

Three teachers who allegedly accepted money and are expected to testify at the R1.2-million fraud trial of Portia “Pankie” Sizani this week have all applied to the Legal Aid Board for legal representation while they provide evidence in court.

The teachers, who as Section 204 witnesses could provide evidence that could possibly incriminate themselves in the alleged ghost teachers scheme, all requested legal representation yesterday before proceeding with their evidence.

By testifying in terms of Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the witnesses – if found to be truthful and honest about their involvement in the scheme – could possibly be exonerated or discharged from prosecution.

It is the state’s case that the teachers accepted money from Sizani, wife of ANC parliamentary chief whip Stone Sizani, in the scheme, allegedly carried out between January 2009 and November 2010.

-Lee-Anne Butler