Cheryl Zondi to take the stand again in Omotoso trial

This is after Judge Mandela Makaula recused himself on Friday.

Makaula formally stepped down from the controversial human trafficking and rape trial, citing a conflict of interest.

Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Tshepo Ndwalaza says the judge decided to step down after it emerged his wife runs a guesthouse where some state witnesses were accommodated.

Ndwalaza says the case will start from scratch and Zondi, who made waves with her emotive testimony will have to take the stand again.

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"The case will start all over again and a new judge will be appointed to deal with the matter. In such situations, a case will start from scratch as if it never started at all," explained Ndwalaza.

Ndwalaza says the next trial is expected to conclude after 8-9 weeks.

The case has been postponed until July 30, while Omotoso remains behind bars.