WHITE RIVER – Depending on the outcome of the post-mortem, further charges could be levelled against the accused who are being charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances and the kidnapping of Ms Annatjie Myburgh.
This was according to senior state advocate Ms Isabet Erwee, who spoke during the brief appearance of the first accused, Mr Selby Johan Mabila (26), a resident of KaBowekeni’s Cho Cho Cho Trust.
A barefoot Mabila was relatively silent when he appeared before the magistrate, Ms Winnie Baloyi who stated that the robbery with aggravating circumstances charge entailed that, if found guilty, Mabila would be sentenced to a minimum period of 15 years’ imprisonment.
A minimum sentence will only be deviated from if the convicted party can prove grounds compelling the court to do so. Mabila elected to make use of state-funded legal representation and said he might apply for bail in seven days. Erwee said the state would oppose his bail application and Baloyi explained that, due to the seriousness of the charges against the accused, he will only be released on bail if he could prove that there were exceptional circumstances justifying his release.
The second suspect, a 32-year-old Mozambican national, will appear in court today.
In a media statement released yesterday, MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe, pleaded with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development not to release the accused or the second suspect in the Myburgh case on bail. He described them as “dangerous suspects” and made a call to the police to gather enough evidence to secure a conviction.
Mabila will appear in court again in a week and will remain in custody in White River until his next appearance.
Mr Bruce Macaulay, who attended the proceedings on behalf of the family, said the Myburghs had declined requests from political organisations and activists who wanted to attend the court case. “Right now, respect is due to the grieving family and the justice system that will take its course. The Myburghs want to express their thanks toward the police for their sterling work, as well as for members of the community for their prayers and assistance,” he said.
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