The high-profile tax fraud trial tied to the SAPS ‘blue lights’ corruption scandal descended into chaos in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court yesterday, after the prosecution failed to produce a valid charge sheet, despite claiming to be ready for trial.

The Star reports the case – which includes former Acting Police Commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane, businessman Vimpie Phineas Manthata and bookkeeper Judy Rose among the accused – was meant to proceed with evidence from SARS officials.

Instead, it was marked by confusion, missing documentation and fierce courtroom arguments.

In a turn, defence attorney Piet du Plessis – who represents Phahlane – called for the charges to be withdrawn entirely, stating that the state had repeatedly failed to meet even the most basic requirements for a fair trial.

‘We are in 2025, and the state still does not have a charge sheet for a 2018 case. After 40 minutes of flailing, the prosecutor was still unable to produce a single valid charge sheet,’ said Du Plessis.

The court had previously adjourned multiple times over the last few months due to procedural issues, but yesterday’s proceedings drew sharp criticism from all defence attorneys present.

Magistrate Ashika Ramlal confronted the state directly, asking the lead prosecutor whether – ‘in light of the law,’ – he believed the matter was truly trial-ready.

The prosecutor hesitated – then argued that the case was ready for trial.

The report notes the case will resume on Thursday, though it is unclear if the state will be able to rectify its documentation problems in time.

Full report in The Star