Veruschka Bosch, the court interpreter whose skills became one of the talking points on day one of the Oscar Pistorius murder trial, had warned justice department officials she was not up to the task.
Bosch has less than a year’s experience and has only interpreted in the lower courts.
Nadia Grobler, a family member, said Bosch felt humiliated and was upset about the public criticism of her interpretation skills – especially because she had warned officials she was not ready to interpret in a high-profile case.
According to Grobler, Bosch was bullied into interpreting at the last minute yesterday after the original interpreter had pulled out.
“Her career has been harmed. She is being crucified. It is the department’s fault. They had a year to find an interpreter who would be up to the task. They should have had a Plan A, B and C,” Grobler said.
The first witness in the trial, Michelle Burger, yesterday corrected Bosch’s translations of Afrikaans words time and again.
Bosch even started crying, to which Burger replied: “Don’t cry. You are doing well.”
Burger later switched to testifying in English.
Legal experts yesterday said the incorrect interpreting of evidence, especially details, could be grounds for a review.
