Later, the prosecutor in the trial, Advocate Adina van Deventer, also experienced a vehicle breakdown and got stuck next to the road between Delmas and Pretoria.

The accused all face multiple charges of murder, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition, theft, attempted theft, malicious damage to property and a slew of other charges pertaining to the ATM bank robbery.

They also face serious explosives charges.

It is alleged that the accused attempted to break into an FNB Automatic Teller Machine near Breë Street in Amersfoort on 25 April 2010.

During the brazen attempt, the syndicate was confronted, resulting in the deaths of Joseph Lizu Molefe, Tebogo Percy Moroga and Sonecher Ngwenay.

• On 20 March 2010, it is alleged that the accused succeeded in breaking into an FNB Automatic Teller Machine in Bethal, during which an amount of R193 540 was stolen.

They allegedly killed police officers Oupa Micheul Marajana and Thulane Zakhele Kubheka, and attempted to kill Thokozane Vincent Shongwe by shooting him in the leg.

The trial will resume in Delmas on Friday after the court has been disinfected and declared safe.

A number of former and current police officers, most notably forensic specialists, have been subpoenaed to testify in the trial.

It is one of the longest trials placed on the court roll due to its complexity and number of witnesses.

The accused remain in custody, accept for Maharaj Vinod Siresh, who is out on bail.

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