The state has called for the advocate of the alleged mastermind in the killing of the former African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) Secretary-General Sindiso Magaqa to recuse himself.

Adv Christo van Schalkwyk was representing the former Umzimkhulu Municipal Manager Zweliphansi Sikhosana in the High Court in Pietermaritzburg.

Sikhosana appeared alongside two other accused for the first time on Monday morning.

Van Schalkwyk also represented Sibusiso Ncengwa, who had pleaded guilty in June and implicated Sikhosana.

State Prosecutor Adv Lawrence Gcaba said Van Schalkwyk’s cross-examination of  Ncengwa when he testified for the state would be in conflict of interest.

The case has been stood down for legal teams to discuss the next court date.

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