THE couple caught on CCTV video footage on October 12 allegedly stealing a manhole cover, made a brief appearance in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning.
Engela Smith (30) and Stephen Gruindeling (29) face charges of theft for allegedly stealing a manhole cover from a business on Monument Road.
Upon request from the state prosecutor, the case was postponed until January 23 next year for further investigations, stating that a statement had not yet been obtained from the witness, the video footage was not in the docket and allegations of drug abuse were still being probed.
Smith and Gruindeling’s lawyer was also absent and the magistrate said the trial couldn’t continue without the presence of their lawyer.
The couple smiled in relief as the judge asked them if they would be back from their December holiday in time for their court appearance on January 23.
The couple was arrested in the early hours of October 14 at their Birchleigh home, where police found more allegedly stolen manhole covers and burglar bars.
