Durban - Judge Hilary Squires reserved judgment on four applications by four media groups to broadcast the Schabir Shaik fraud and corruption trial.

Yesterday, e.tv, SABC radio, and talk radio stations 702 and CapeTalk argued for the right to broadcast live or use edited audio sound from the businessman's Durban High Court trial.

Both the state and the defence opposed the applications.

Squires has given no indication when he will rule on the matter.

On Friday the criminal trial was postponed to today when state witness and KPMG forensic auditor Johan van der Walt will be cross-examined.

In its application, e.tv said it wanted to broadcast sound, not pictures, either live, delayed, or in an edited form.

At the start of the trial on October 11, the television station unsuccessfully applied to broadcast live from the proceedings.

Gilbert Marcus, SC, for e.tv, 702 and CapeTalk was asked why his clients were only applying to broadcast now, after e.tv had already done so.

"They were sitting on their hands," said Judge Hilary Squires.

But Marcus said they only wanted to see what the outcome of the e.tv application would be.

He said they had an affidavit from Independent Democrats' leader Patricia de Lille, who is a witness in the case, saying she had no objection to her evidence being broadcast.

Brian Pincus, for SABC radio, said his client wanted to broadcast part of the proceedings in news and current affairs bulletins.

He said: "Shaik does not contend for himself for the right of privacy". Claims that broadcasting from the trial would have an "intimidatory and inhibiting" effect on witnesses were just conjecture.

Shaik was not present in court yesterday.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Cape Times.