A few of the cases that made headlines in our city’s courts over the past six months:
• The man who allegedly used his 74-year-old relative as a sex slave in January, had been linked to the crimes through DNA evidence. This was confirmed by spokesman for the Pienaar police, Lt Jabu Ndubane. The 57-year-old suspect was arrested on January 2 after community members reportedly caught him raping his aunt. He is still in custody and his next trial date will be announced by the National Prosecuting Authority.
• Dino Mbhandze, the man who fell from the roof of Crossing SUPERSPAR during an attempted theft on December 23, 2014 was recently found guilty of attempted theft. He did not receive a prison sentence, but the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court confirmed that he had been fined. Mbhandze was caught on the store’s CCTV camera when he fell from the ceiling in the tobacco and cigarette section. He was unconscious from the fall when Hi-Tech Security Nelspruit arrived at the scene.
• Const Promise Mashego (27) was arrested by the SAPS after he had allegedly stolen an Apple MacBook from the office of premier Mr David Mabuza. The laptop’s value was estimated to be R28 500. Mashego was charged with theft as well as being found in possession of stolen goods. CCTV footage allegedly showed a man dressed in police uniform taking a laptop into his possession. His case will resume on June 8.
• Genl Simon Leroy Mapyane, the former provincial Hawks head’s trial was postponed in the Nelspruit Regional Court last month. He stands accused on five counts of fraud. He reportedly filed fraudulent travel claims totalling more than R13 000. His case will resume on August 4.
