Lonrho versus Wicks hearing postponed

THE LEGAL brouhaha between Ian Wicks, twice-suspended MD of SA Independent Liner Services (Sails), remains unresolved, with the Cape High Court to continue hearing the matter some time in October. Wicks brought an urgent application to the court on July 3, exactly a month after his first suspension, seeking the lifting of the suspension and reinstatement to his position. Judge Siraj Desai issued a rule nisi calling on major Sails investor, Lonrho, to respond by August 6 why his ruling should not become final. The matter could however not proceed last week, no judge being available. Judge Desai, who presided over the urgent interdict application, is hearing the ongoing trial of Najwa Petersen, accused with three others of murdering her musician husband, Taliep. Wicks was suspended (in his presence) for the second time at a board meeting in Cape Town last month, pending a Lonrho inquiry to determine whether a disciplinary hearing will be held or not. Meanwhile, Wicks is “on holiday” and will have to wait until October before finality is reached, one way or another. He believes however that closure should be reached soonest, in the ongoing interest of Sails.