One of the nine boys who has accused Muslim scholar Nezaam Ali of sexual assault was cross-examined yesterday when the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the charges continued at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.
Ali is charged with sexual penetration of nine boys under age 12 and a PI into the charges is underway before Magistrate Alex Moore.
Attorney Nigel Hughes, who represented Ali yesterday, cross-examined the witness. During the proceedings, Ali was asked by Magistrate Moore if he would like to have the media excused from the hearing and he answered no through his attorney.
The defence was due to call an expert witness to testify on Ali’s behalf yesterday. The witness, who is said to be a doctor, was unable to attend court but will be at the next court date, Hughes said.
Ali, of Lot 268 Section ‘C’ 5 South, Turkeyen, who was attached to the Turkeyen Masjid, is alleged to have molested the boys ages 4 to 12, sometime between December 2011 and January 2012.
He is currently free on $1,300,000 bail.
The proceedings were adjourned to October 16 and Magistrate Alex Moore indicated to both the prosecution and defence that he does not want delays.
“This matter will get priority. I want this matter concluded within the next two to three months,” he said.
