“It is apparent… that his prosecution is politically motivated.”
Ngcukaitobi said Dlamini attempted to make representations to the NPA to consider mediation or a settlement procedure‚ but he received a one-line letter saying his representations were rejected‚ without any explanation.
“My client would still like to make further representations to the current new leadership‚ which is not tainted by the political manipulation of the case. If that is not successful‚ they will head to the high court for a judicial review of the decision.
“The basis of that review is that the prosecution is politically motivated and that cannot result in a fair trial – and the reason to prosecute [must] be declared unlawful and set aside.
Ngcukaitobi added that it was not his intention to delay the trial.
Prosecutor Steven Rubin said the state intended to call 15 witnesses when the three-day trial starts from April 9 next year.
Dlamini faces a string of charges – including theft‚ assault‚ public violence and malicious damage to property – linked to student protests that erupted in October 2016.