The 24th suspect, Banda Shilimela, is reportedly in hospital.

The other 23 appeared before High Court Judge Kato Van Niekerk for a pre-trial conference to sort out the remaining obstacles for the start of the trial.

The case was, however, again postponed to March 16.

Six of the accused, who are currently not represented, were advised to apply to the Directorate of Legal Aid for State-sponsored lawyers to defend them because of the seriousness and complexity of the case.

The 24 are charged with 226 counts of fraud, alternatively theft of some N$7,3 million in death benefits.

- Nampa

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