Zondo had previously, last month, sought a dismissal of the ten charges against him after the prosecution concluded its case following an extended legal process.
It was then Zondo’s opportunity to offer his defense before the Pretoria branch of the Gauteng High Court. Instead, he requested a full acquittal, asserting that the prosecution had failed to demonstrate sufficient grounds for him to stand trial.
He maintained that the evidence presented was flimsy and suggested the accusers’ accounts were manufactured. Judge Papi Mosopa rejected that request last month, insisting that Zondo still had to answer to the charges.
Responding to this, Zondo’s legal representatives, led by Advocate Piet Pistorius, subsequently requested the judge’s removal from the case.
The surfacing of their accusations after a considerable time period also came under scrutiny.
However, renowned forensic psychologist Professor Gerard Labuschagne offered expert analysis concerning the complainants’ delayed reporting of the alleged incidents. He explained that such delays are not uncommon.
He further detailed the influence of rape misconceptions and the particular trauma of abuse perpetrated by figures of religious authority. Multiple victims testified that Zondo had allegedly abused them during prayer, while their eyes were closed.
