S. Africa puts off match-fixing hearing

By M.S. Prabhakara

CAPE TOWN, DEC. 23. The date of the resumption of the hearing of the King Commission inquiring into allegations of match-fixing in South African cricket has once again been put off.

The Commission had scheduled to resume its hearing on January 25, 2001. This date is now likely to be on or after February 19, 2001.

This development follows the success of the application by Hansie Cronje to the Cape High Court yesterday seeking a postponement of resumption of the Commission's hearing.

The petition charging the Commission of reneging on an agreement that it would consult with his lawyers before setting a date for the resumption of the hearing.

The petition said January 25, 2001 was not suitable since his lawyers had other legal commitments on that day, and would not be free till February 19, 2001.

Opposing the petition, the Commission said the resumption of its hearing on the date scheduled would not prejudice Cronje and indeed his presence was not necessary since the witnesses scheduled to be called on that day were Mr. Ali Bacher, outgoing Managing Director of the UCBSA, and Mr. Goolam Raja, manger of the South African cricket team.

But Cronje's lawyers argued that their presence was necessary since evidence rendered by Mr. Bacher and Mr. Rajah could materially affect Cronje, in particular his expectation to secure indemnity from prosecution if he were to make full disclosure of his involvement in match-fixing.

In a related development, lawyers for Hansie Cronje have lodged a petition before the Pretoria High Court challenging the `life ban' imposed by the UCBSA on Cronje. The petition is to be opposed by the Board, according to a report by the South African Press Agency (Sapa).

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Section  : Sport
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