Verulam stepfather storms off witness box during cross-examination
There's been drama in the Durban High Court where a Verulam man is standing trial for the alleged sexual abuse of his 13-year-old stepdaughter.
The 45-year-old, who began testifying in the Durban High Court this week, faces a raft of charges - including rape and human trafficking.
He was arrested in June 2018 after the child - who was 11 at the time - told a neighbour she was being abused.
Senior State Advocate, Cheryl Naidu was in the middle of cross-examining the suspect when chaos erupted this morning.
Naidu questioned the accused about his alleged penchant for women's underwear which the man disputes.
When Naidu admitted evidence to the court, he told Judge Mohini Moodley that he had had enough and began shouting and hurling profanities.
"You know what, your honour.I do not care anymore. Do what you want with me. You can hang me, shoot me or whatever it is. I have had enough of this court."he said.
The man then stormed out of the witness box.
Three female police officers sprang into action.
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Sergeant Ethel Gizaw ran to block the front door of the courtroom - while the other two cornered and restrained him.
He continued shouting profanities at Judge Moodley from one corner of the courtroom and refused to go back into the witness box.
"I have had enough of this court. I have had enough of this bullshit. You can throw me in jail or hell for all I care. I do not want to continue with this."he said.
Constable Cathy Govender told him to return to the stand and warned him to stop disrespecting the judge.
Judge Moodley adjourned the matter and told defence advocate, Thiagaraj Pillay to establish if the accused is will willing to continue with his evidence.
