Docket missing in pastor assault case

Tonga - The case against a pastor accused of assaulting a 79-year-old woman who lost two teeth as they argued over a stray soccer ball has been delayed because the docket is missing.

An argument erupted when prosecutor Frederick Mhelembe informed members from the Masisukumeni Women's Crisis NGO, who have been following the case, that the matter would not be heard on Wednesday.

"I will ask the court for another date so that I can get a chance to search for the docket as the police record shows that it is here in court," Mhelembe assured the women.
Nkuna was not asked to plead to charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was arrested on 14 August 2013 in connection with assaulting Ritah Khumalo,79, who lives in the same area as him.

She had gone to ask him to return her grandson's soccer ball.

He is out on warning.

Magistrate Sibonisiwe Sibuyi postponed the case to 20 August, for the docket to be found.