Former Western Cape Police Commissioner Arno Lamoer and his co-accused, who are at the centre of a corruption case, could not escape the long arm of the law and yesterday the group learnt that their trial will finally start in April.
During a pre-trial hearing in the Western Cape High Court, prosecutor Billy Downer said there would be no more delays.
He said the State, as well as the accused and their legal teams were ready for trial.
The trial is expected to start on April 18.
Prosecutors said the witnesses in the matter were subpoenaed yesterday and packed the public gallery. Most were cops, sources said.
Lamoer and three SAPS brigadiers — Darius van der Ross, Sharon Govender and her husband Colin Govender — together with Plattekloof businessman Salim Dawjee, face 109 charges of corruption, racketeering and money laundering involving R1.6 million.
The accused are all out on bail.
The top cops allegedly received cash and expensive gifts from Dawjee in exchange for favours.
Lamoer was appointed Western Cape police commissioner in November 2010 and handed himself over in April 2015.
He was suspended and retired in November 2015.
The investigation into Lamoer started in 2012.
It is alleged that rental of cars used by Lamoer, the Govenders and their families, had been paid for, as had petrol for Van Der Ross and the Govenders.