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| Bushman child, CKGR, Botswana 2004
© 2004 Stephen Corry/Survival |
The Bushmen court case continued yesterday with the judges ruling that Joseph
Matlhare, former Director of Wildlife, should proceed with his
evidence. The lawyers for the Bushmen had made an application to
prevent him giving expert evidence on the grounds that the documents he
had submitted did not comply with the High Court rules.
Justice Dibotelo stated that any further complaint about Matlhare giving evidence would be a matter for a higher court.
Matlhare was examined all day by the government lawyer, who asked questions, seemingly at random, about Matlhare's C.V. and work
experience.
As recently as three weeks ago, the government lawyer promised the
court that he would try to speed up the case. The Bushmen team had
stated that it was in serious financial difficulties due to the
proceedings taking far longer than expected. The court case was
originally scheduled to sit for six weeks only, last July and August, but has now lasted for almost a year.
