By Latrishka Thomas
The lack of a Chinese interpreter has forced a court to postpone proceedings against Tianzhao Alex Feng, who was previously convicted of burning down the XPZ supermarket in 2021.
Feng recently found himself in legal trouble again for damaging the newly built property at the site of his previous crime.
Last week, surveillance footage captured Feng attempting to enter the premises of the new XPZ supermarket by violently shaking its steel gates.
Another video showed him kneeling in the middle of Sir Sydney Walling Highway, apparently waiting for police officers who had been called to respond to a disturbance.
Feng was subsequently arrested and charged with malicious damage, using threatening language, and throwing missiles.
According to police reports, he trespassed on the property where the new and improved XPZ supermarket is being built, broke a glass window, damaged several galvanised panels, and broke a metal gate.
Feng appeared in court last Friday but was remanded to prison until yesterday to allow time for the court to find a Chinese interpreter. However, when he returned to court, he was informed that an interpreter could not be secured in time.
During the hearing, Feng expressed his willingness to proceed without a professional interpreter, stating, “anyone can do it”.
He explained that he only struggles with “professional” terms and would be fine if someone could explain things to him.
Eager to resolve the matter, Feng even suggested using a cell phone to assist with translation.
Despite Feng’s suggestions, Magistrate Dane Hamilton Jr informed him that it would be best to wait until next week when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can secure a proper interpreter.
Consequently, Feng’s case has been adjourned until August 21.
