The trial for theft and fraud totalling nearly one million rand (£146,000) of bookkeeper Mr Freddie Steenkamp has cast a long shadow over a former hero and provincial leader of the African National Congress, Dr Allan Boesak.
Mr Steenkamp, who served as bookkeeper in Dr Boesak's now defunct Foundation for Peace and Justice, has pleaded guilty to the charges against him in a detailed confession.
He has admitted falsifying the records to disguise his own involvement in embezzlement of the money and its use to sustain the high salaries and generous expenses disbursed to the foundation's staff, as well as personal loans that were often written off.
Explaining how he succumbed to temptation to steal money, Mr Steenkamp - who appeared in the dock yesterday for the third successive day - told the court that he was influenced by Dr Boesak's behaviour. Seeing the former ANC leader using money donated for charity for his own needs and to pay off the debts incurred by his second wife, Elna, persuaded him to do the same, he said.
Mr Steenkamp and Dr Boesak were originally charged together but a separation of trials was ordered after the two men filed different pleas: guilty from Mr Steenkamp and not guilty from Dr Boesak, who faces similar charges of stealing vast sums of money and whose trial is scheduled to start in February next year.
Under South African law nothing that Mr Steenkamp says or admits in his trial can be used against Dr Boesak. But Mr Steenkamp has said he is willing to give evidence for the state in Dr Boesak's trial. Judging from his admissions so far, it could be damaging testimony against Dr Boesak.
Two factors have to borne in mind, according to legal observers: the first in favour of Dr Boesak and the second potentially to his disadvantage. If Mr Steenkamp does testify against Dr Boesak, he will face cross-examination by counsel for the former ANC leader and a lot will depend on whether he impresses the judge as a credible witness.
Against that, however, Mr Steenkamp will not be testifying as an accomplice hoping to be granted indemnity in return for turning state witness.