Slade trial – court denies request for jury
Slade, who faces charges of hate speech, told the ZO his trial date has been set for 21 to24 November at the Ubombo Magistrate's Court
THE trial of controversial former Sodwana Bay guest house owner, Andre Slade (54), who refused to accept bookings from black clientele, has been set for November.
Slade, who faces charges of hate speech, told the ZO his trial date has been set for 21 to 24 November at the Ubombo Magistrate’s Court.
Slade will tomorrow (Tuesday) submit a list of witnesses who he will call to testify at the trial in which he will represent himself.
Slade said he demanded a jury in his case, but the court denied the request since juries are not used in the South African legal system.
He remains optimistic about his case and said no matter the outcome, it would need to be taken to the Constitutional Court.
‘The Magistrate said if we don’t accept his judgement, we can lodge an appeal.
‘This is a constitutional issue really because we dispute the fact that everyone is equal.
‘It doesn’t matter whether the court rules in our favour or not, this is a constitutional matter.
‘You cannot just publicly shame someone and ruin their lives. It’s a violation of our constitutional rights.
‘This is why we made such strong statements in our affidavits. This case should not be heard in the Ubombo Magistrate’s Court.
‘This concerns everyone, black and white, this is about truth,’ Slade told the ZO.
ALSO READ: Sodwana Bay Guest House owner Andre Slade ‘excited’ by court summons
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