First State Witness in Shaik Trial to Testify [Sapa, 2004-10-14]

Publication: Sapa Issued: Durban Date: 2004-10-14 Reporter: Wendy Jasson Da Costa Reporter: Ben Maclennan

First State Witness in Shaik Trial to Testify

Publication	Sapa COURT-N/L-SHAIK
Issued	Durban
Date	2004-10-14
Reporter	Wendy Jasson Da Costa, Ben Maclennan

The first state witness in the Schabir Shaik fraud and corruption trial is to take the stand in the Durban High Court on Thursday.

Professor Themba Sono is a former business associate of Shaik and now deputy president of the Independent Democrats.

He is expected to testify about his role as an early director of Shaik's Nkobi group of companies.

Public Prosecutions spokesman Sipho Ngwema said it was unknown how long Sono would be on the stand.

The state has presented a list of over 100 witnesses.

On Tuesday Shaik pleaded not guilty to all charges levelled against him.

With acknowledgements to Wendy Jasson Da Costa, Ben Maclennan and Sapa.