A heavy court roll at the Cape Town Magistrate's Court caused the postponement of the assault trial of politician Badih Chaaban on Thursday.

Chaaban is the leader of the National People's Party.

Prosecutor Xolisile Philisane alleges that Chaaban threw a cup at John van der Merwe, at the time the NPP's national organiser. He is also accused of throwing a batch of documents into the face of party official David Sasman.

Chaaban is charged with assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm and with common assault.

He also faces a charge of crimen injuria, for allegedly shouting at both Van der Merwe and Sasman: "You dogs, you bastards."

At Thursday's proceedings, Philisane said he had more than 30 cases to deal with before he could call the Chaaban case.

The matter was postponed to 19 February next year.

Sapa