Crime in SA | Nafiz Modack entitled to legal aid, says judge

CAPE TOWN - Alleged underworld boss Nafiz Modack’s legal woes continue as he remains without a lawyer.

After lawyers he appointed withdrew, he applied for Legal Aid.

He did initially pass the means test but wanted a lawyer of his choice, which is not allowed.

READ: Legal representative delays Modack trial

Legal Aid is also re-examining whether he does indeed qualify for aid.

Modack and his 14 co-accused face 124 charges, including multiple murders, attempted murders, corruption and money laundering.

Thirteen of the accused are now legally represented after Legal Aid South Africa stepped in and successfully appointed lawyers for three of the accused.

The others appointed their own while former SAPS Anti-Gang Unit member Ashley Tabisher, chose to represent himself.

READ: Modack: Police killed top cop Charl Kinnear

Appearing with his brother Yaseen who also changed lawyers, Modack remains without a lawyer partly due to him delaying appointing his own or requesting legal aid.

While he has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him, he has not been allowed to give plea explanations until such time that he has a lawyer.

Judge Henney wants no more unnecessary  delays saying that if it is found that Modack indeed misled Legal Aid there are other remedies to deal with it.