Katsimberis trial deferred again as lawyer falls sick

Herald Correspondent

The fraud trial of George Katsimberis has been deferred to September 11 after his lawyer, Advocate Tinomudaishe Chinyoka, told the court that he was not feeling well.

Katsimberis is making an application for referral to the High Court, speaking in fluent English although he has made a request for a Greek interpreter.

The builder, who is being led in evidence by his lawyer Adv Chinyoka, has been complaining about the State’s conduct in handling his case.

He is alleging that he will not have a fair trial under Deputy Prosecutor Mr Michael Reza.

Katsimberis, who had been accusing Mr Reza of being paid by the complainant, West Properties, last week made a sudden U-turn saying he had no evidence linking Mr Reza to the allegations.

Asked by Adv Chinyoka whether he has evidence proving that Mr Reza was paid to prosecute his fraud case, Katsimberis said he does not have anything to prove his allegations.

During previous sittings, Mr Reza told the court that Katsimberis’ fraud trial might not finish during this lifetime due to postponements. This was after his lawyer Adv Chinyoka had submitted that he wished for a postponement of the matter since he was not feeling well.

Responding to the submissions by Adv Chinyoka, Mr Reza said the history of this case was littered with postponements.