MBOMBELA – The bail application of the four men accused of stealing 112 rhino horn worth about R160 million was postponed again today.
The incident occurred on April 20 when the horns were taken from safes at Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MPTA). Mr Ali Gideon Mjali (51) and Mr Leonard Sizwe Malatjie (34) were arrested early in June. Later Mr Selby George Khoza (39) and Mr Veli William Zwane (43) were also arrested and charged. They face charges of housebreaking with the intent to steal and theft.
This morning defence Adv Mr Pieter Naudé, who is representing Khoza, requested a postponement of his client’s application to allow him to close his case. Magistrate Ms Christa du Plessis granted the request. She also decided to postpone the applications of all the accused.
“We are all in agreement. It is practical that we proceed today, but it is not advisable. Certain procedures need to be followed. If not, it could open us up to all sorts of applications at a later stage. It is in the best interest of all the applicants to grant the postponement for Naudé,” she ruled.
The hearing was postponed until August 11. Read more here.
