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Lazarus trial to start in July

Pretoria - The trial of former police crime intelligence unit senior official Solly Lazarus and colleague Heine Barnard on fraud and corruption charges will start in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court in July.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel suggested July 2 and 3 as trial dates.

Estelle Kilian, for Lazarus and Barnard, told the court she would agree to the dates provided Nel could assure her he had given her all the relevant documents.

"The answer to that is very simple," Nel stood up and replied.

"Everything that is in the possession of the defence at this moment is what we will use during the trial."

The pair stood in the dock dressed in dark suits and were told their bail would be extended.

Lazarus was the crime intelligence unit's chief financial officer. Barnard, a colonel, was the unit's head of logistics. They allegedly stole money from a fund meant to finance undercover crime intelligence operations.

The money was allegedly used for overseas trips and accommodation. Initially an amount of R1.1 million was allegedly involved. This was later reduced to R370 000.

Barnard appeared alongside the crime intelligence unit's former head Richard Mdluli in the Pretoria Commercial Crime Court on similar charges on Wednesday.

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