Padayachee says alleged illegal arms deal case placing him under financial bondage

The Western Cape High Court on Tuesday postponed the case of the alleged illegal arms dealer Anderson Padayachee after he failed to pay his legal team.

His legal representative told the court that he had not settled his legal bills. 

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Padayachee is accused of supplying firearms to a Cape Town gang between 2017 and 2019.

He faces 66 charges, including murder, attempted murder and contravening the Firearms Control and Prevention of Organised Crimes acts.

Padayachee’s trial hit another snag after his legal team requested a postponement.

Advocate Carlo Viljoen told the court that his client had not furnished him with any financial instructions.

President Judge Daniel Thulare expressed some concern with postponing the matter, which is already running into its second year.

In response, Padayachee told the court the ongoing case has placed him under financial bondage. 

Judge Thulare advised him that his non-payment posed serious implications to his counsel's practice

In order to secure legal representation by 3 December, Padayachee must either raise the money to continue paying his current legal team or apply for legal aid.
 
He will be back in court next Friday when the trial resumes.