Clive Derby-Lewis, the murderer of SACP leader Chris Hani, will have his parole hearing before a full bench of high court judges next year.

Speaking to reporters outside the Pretoria High Court, his attorney Marius Coertze said the matter had been rolled over to 10 March next year, so that it could be heard before a full bench of three judges.

"Today (Tuesday) we rescheduled to proceed, but the State attorney's office requested a full bench."

Judge President Bernard Ngoepe, he said, wanted a full bench for the matter. This was because the case generated a lot of public interest and because of legislative changes.

Under the old law which Derby-Lewis was convicted under, a lifer could only qualify for parole after serving 20 years of the sentence while the new law only requires that 15 years be served.

The attorney said that the Hani family, represented by George Bizos, had indicated they wanted to be joined in the matter.

Bizos would not speak to the media.

The National Parole Board filed papers on Monday that they be joined to the matter. The 10 March date was a preliminary date which still had to be confirmed by deputy Judge President Jerry Shongwe.

Coertze said all 14 legal representatives had agreed on dates for court papers and for heads of arguments to be filed.

He added that Bizos was representing the Hani family who had requested to be joined as co-respondents in the matter.

"We agreed that they be joined," said Coertze.

Coertze said he thought his client, who made an appearance at the court, had a strong case, adding that this was probably the strongest one he had seen in the past 20 years.

Derby-Lewis, who has served 15 years of a life sentence for Hani's murder, was convicted with Janusz Walus for Hani's assassination on 10 April 1993.

In 1995 their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

Sapa