Simon Nare

Simon Nare

Once again the case against suspended Lesedi FM presenter Thuso Motaung, his wife Mmamotha and businessman Joshua Ramme has been postponed.

This time the case was postponed at the request of Ramme's lawyers, who asked for more time to consult with their client.

Ramme was released last month after spending the festive season behind bars while he struggled to raise bail.

The trio will appear in court again on July 27 to face charges of fraud.

The trio are alleged to have defrauded the SABC of R32million by promoting a product using the broadcaster's airtime.

On March 8 the Asset Forfeiture Unit seized 29 vehicles, mostly minibus taxis, and 15 houses and froze Motaung's bank accounts.

The Motaungs now rely on Mmamotha's salary - the SABC is still paying her even though she has been suspended.

Motaung himself is not receiving a salary because he had worked for the public broadcaster as a freelancer.

Motaung now promotes his own gospel CDs and trains community radio presenters.

Motaung scored a victory of sorts last week when the court ruled that 15 vehicles seized be returned to their rightful owner, businessman Eddie Sengoza. Reports previously alleged Sengoza was merely a "front" for Motaung's business operations.

The holding of other vehicles is still in dispute, and Motaung's lawyers are said to be preparing to challenge their seizure.

Motaung's lawyers are also believed to be intending to apply for money to be made available for Motaung to cover his day-to-day living expenses.