Modack trial postponed again after evidence exhibit goes missing from judge's desk

Court proceedings in the high-profile trial of alleged underworld gang boss Nafiz Modack were delayed on Thursday after an evidence exhibit went missing from the presiding judge's desk.

Modack and 14 co-accused face 122 charges for various crimes related to operating a criminal enterprise. Among the charges of extortion, fraud, money laundering, and corruption, Modack is also charged with the murder of top police officer, Charl Kinnear.

READ: Modack questioned about why Kilian was tracking whereabouts of alleged rivals

State prosecutor Greg Wolmarans had barely started cross-examining Modack on Thursday when presiding Judge Robert Henney decided to adjourn proceedings.

Wolmarans was questioning Modack about the pings of prominent criminal defence attorney William Booth, who survived an attempt on his life as he stood by his car in his garage in April 2020. Modack and some of his co-accused face charges of attempted murder related to the incident.

However, the matter was delayed after Judge Henney could not find an evidence document containing a "ping list" related to Booth.

Judge Henney expressed his frustration, stating: "Please get me the proper documents. I will adjourn. I can't sit like this. Get me the proper documents. We will adjourn."

Henney subsequently adjourned proceedings for the State to provide the court with a new copy of the evidence.

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