Ward Councillor released on bail
After spending more than a month in custody local ANC Ward Councillor Precious Poppy Tau of the Steve Tshwete Municipality was released on bail following a third bail application to the Springs Magistrates Court.
Cllr Tau and her husband are accused of armed robbery by at least eight hitchhikers on the N4 and N12 highway to whom she allegedly gave lifts to during November 2013.
Most are residents of Middelburg, one of whom is another local ANC Councillors sister, and two complainants reside in Machadodorp.
She was arrested at the Steve Tshwete Municipality offices on 25 February after being recognized by one of the victims who in turn alerted Police.
Victims allege that Cllr Tau offered them lifts after which she pulled out a firearm, made outrageous claims that she was untouchable, and made them believe she had killed “a white person” to hijack the vehicle she was driving in.
All victims claim they were taken to isolated places and strip searched before all their cash and valuables was stolen.
The Springs SAPS confirmed this week that Cllr Tau and her husband are scheduled to appear again before the Springs Magistrates Court on 15 May.
