Judges allow Wildlife Director to testify

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The Bushmen court case continued yesterday with the judges ruling that Joseph Matlhare, former Director of Wildlife, should proceed with his evidence. The lawyers for the Bushmen had made an application to prevent him giving expert evidence on the grounds that the documents he had submitted did not comply with the High Court rules.

Justice Dibotelo stated that any further complaint about Matlhare giving evidence would be a matter for a higher court.

Matlhare was examined all day by the government lawyer, who asked questions, seemingly at random, about Matlhare's C.V. and work experience.

As recently as three weeks ago, the government lawyer promised the court that he would try to speed up the case. The Bushmen team had stated that it was in serious financial difficulties due to the proceedings taking far longer than expected. The court case was originally scheduled to sit for six weeks only, last July and August, but has now lasted for almost a year.