“A lawyer cannot just drop a case and attend to personal matters no matter how serious they are.”
High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo made these comments in the trial of a former school teacher this morning after his lawyer, Aman Ravindra Singh failed to show up when the matter was called.
The state counsel informed the court that Singh has advised them that his mother suffered a stroke this morning and he had to rush home.
However, Justice Temo highlighted that Aman Ravindra Singh could have appointed another counsel on his behalf for the trial to continue today as scheduled.
Justice Salesi Temo then told all present in court that he was attending cases even when his father had passed away and even when his family had criticised him.
He said that this is very unprofessional conduct from Singh although he is fully sympathizing with him.
Justice Temo then said that he cannot adjourn this rape trial as there are other rape trials queuing up.
He has ordered the former school teacher to contact Singh and tell him to be present in court at 2.15 this afternoon or find another counsel for the trial to resume.
The former primary school teacher is charged with four counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault of students.
