JUDGE Vuka Tshabalala yesterday persuaded the lawyer representing one of the two men accused of killing retired Austrian soccer player Peter Burgstaller not to withdraw from the case.

JUDGE Vuka Tshabalala yesterday persuaded the lawyer representing one of the two men accused of killing retired Austrian soccer player Peter Burgstaller not to withdraw from the case.

A visibly angry Bongani Ndlela told the Durban high court he was withdrawing from the case, saying his client was giving him conflicting instructions on sensitive issues which forced him to lie.

"It will not be in the interest of justice for you to withdraw because you have been representing him for a long time now," said Tshabalala.

Ndlela has represented Simo Msani, 23, since the start of the case more than a year ago. Msani's brother Mthokozisi Msani, 26, is also in the dock.

Ndlela refused to divulge the nature of conflicting statements that Msani allegedly gave him. The trial continues. - Sapa