Case of ‘fake’ doctor postponed in Limpopo court
The case against a Nigerian man who allegedly defrauded Limpopo government by using fake qualifications to work as a doctor was postponed in the Polokwane magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
Anton Okey Nwuafor’s bail application was postponed as lengthy legal arguments ensued between the State and his defence team.
The State requested a postponement at the start of proceedings, saying it needed time to investigate Nwuafor’s address and migration status.
Senior State prosecutor Meivel Machaba told court that investigations were still underway and there existed the possibility of further charges being added.
He did not go into details except to say that the corruption and violation of Immigration Acts charges were not enough.
Machaba also argued against the case being postponed until Thursday as there was already a congested bail application schedule. The court heard that there were at least seven bail applications scheduled to be heard on Thursday.
Machaba told court that although bail was an urgent matter, it should not be seen to be enjoying preferential treatment over other cases.
But Nwuafor’s legal team described the move as moot and accused the State of employing tactics to deprive their client the chance of a swift bail hearing.
Advocate Apo Molepo argued that the State had had sufficient time to verify his client’s address and immigration status since the arrest of Nwuafor and two others last week Friday.
Nwuafor was arrested together with his wife Amar, and Faired Mall, after they allegedly bribed Home Affairs officials at a mall in Polokwane.
The case was postponed to Friday for a formal bail application.
ANA
File photo: Gallo Images