UPDATE: Four accused in Lt Col Pretorius murder case abandon bail, co-accused’s hearing postponed
The accused are charged with murder, the illegal possession of a semi-automatic firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and obstruction of justice.
UPDATE: 18 February – 15:19
Mthobisi Nkosi, Aubrey Xaba, Skhumbuzo Skhakhane, and Nyiko Mujovo have abandoned their bail applications and will remain in custody until their trial or further legal proceedings. Valencia Skhosana’s bail application has been postponed to 27 February.
The court adjourns.
Magistrate grants permission for photos in Lt Col Pretorius case after objections from defense
UPDATE: 18 February – 12:17
Proceedings are underway.
The magistrate, Cathering Hugo, entered the court at about 11:36 and the accused were brought in. The Hawks submitted a photo application, prompting a delay in proceedings to allow the attorneys to consult with their clients regarding the application for photos to be taken during the court proceedings.
One of the defence attorneys argued against the photos, claiming they could hinder the investigation and compromise their clients’ privacy. He highlighted concerns that images of the accused could be spread on social media, including platforms like TikTok, leading to public bias. The attorney emphasised that, as the charges are still accusations, the public could view their clients as guilty before their trial.
Charles Lloyd, representing the prosecution, raised no objections, stating that the Hawks’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has its own media liaison and that there was nothing sinister about the application. He stressed that the public has the right to observe the court proceedings transparently as it was an open court.
After considering the arguments, Hugo granted permission for the Hawks to take photos.
UPDATE: Courtroom packed as bail hearing for Lt Col Pretorius murder case awaits start
UPDATE: 18 February – 10:17
Court proceedings have yet to begin. According to information at hand, it seems they are awaiting the arrival of an attorney.
The Hawks, police, family members of Pretorius, the family spokesperson and members of the general public are present. The courtroom is packed.
Bail hearing: Accused in Lt Col Piet Pretorius murder back in court
ERMELO – The five accused in the murder case of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius are expected to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court today, 18 February, for their bail application hearing.
The suspects—former police official Mthobisi Nkosi (40), Aubrey Xaba (35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane (40), Nyiko Mujovo (30), and Valencia Skhosana (36)—were previously remanded in custody following their court appearance.
ALSO READ: Accused in Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius murder identified
They face charges of murder, illegal possession of a semi-automatic firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice.
Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius (59), commander of the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, was fatally shot on 16 January.
During earlier proceedings, the Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, commended investigators for their dedication and assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in building a watertight case.
The outcome of today’s bail hearing remains to be seen.
More updates to follow as proceedings unfold.
