Sindiso Magaqa murder: Lawyer for accused Stanley Sikhosana says he's not ready to proceed to trial

The lawyer for accused number 3, Stanley Sikhosana, in the murder trial of African National Congress (ANC) politician, Sindiso Magaqa, says he's not ready to proceed with trial yet. 

Advocate Cristo van Schalkwyk SC, is now representing the former Umzimkhulu municipal manager in the high-profile murder case. 

Sikhosana has joined his co-accused after he was denied bail in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate's Court in September. 

The group faces a string of charges, including murder and conspiracy to commit murder, among other charges.

The three remaining accused in the matter appeared together for the first time at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. 

Accused 1 is former police officer, Sibusiso Ncengwa; accused 2 is businessman, Mbulelo Mpofana, and accused 3 former municipal manager, Stanley Sikhosana.

However, when the proceedings got underway, Sikhosana’s lawyer, Van Schalkwyk SC addressed the court.  

"The main reason is that we can’t, and we could not up until now consult properly to make a defence and we believe that it would not be in the interest of justice we simply adjourn."

He said he needed more time to prepare himself.

"But the accused cannot, at this stage, we submit, have a fair trial because we are simply not in a position to proceed."

The State is not opposed to the request as it also requests time to file its affidavits.