Three of the six men accused of being part of a mall robberies gang will know soon if they will spend Christmas with their families or not. The six were arrested at the end of September on allegations that they had planned to rob a cellphone store at Fourways Mall.
The six are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of unlicensed and prohibited firearms.
Bail application proceedings that have been on for over a month are currently underway at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court and closing arguments for the bail applications are expected to be heard from 6 December.
On 29 November, the six appeared briefly and their matter was postponed due to the overburdened court roll. The late arrival of accused persons from prison to court also contributed to making it impossible for their matter to be heard.
Over the past few days, accused persons have been arriving late in court as there is apparently a new system that has been put in place to book them out of prison for court appearances.
Only three (Raymond Sibanda, Nelson Malesa and Lethabo Sheshingwani) of the six accused persons are continuing with their bail application. The other three, Nkosinathi Masoa, Simphiwe Madonsela and Thokozani Sibanda have abandoned their bail applications.
One of the attorneys, Ofentse Nkwang, has concluded his closing arguments. Nkgwang told the court that his client, Raymond Sibanyoni, had strong family ties in the country and would not evade trial. He pleaded with the court to grant the accused bail so that he can provide for his family and prepare his defence in the matter.
Nkgwang discredited evidence led by the investigating officer and said all that was put to the court by Warrant Officer Johannes Last was allegations and nothing was put to court to prove them. The attorney also accused the investigating officer of dragging his feet in bringing information to court that would assist in determining whether or not bail should be granted.
One such example put by Nkgwang is that Last failed to confirm whether the accused lived at the address he provided. Nkgwang said what Last did was to confirm the existence of the address but not that the accused lived there.
The bail application proceedings continue.
Related articles:
Mall robberies syndicate: Gang violent and dangerous, IO said bail must be denied
Alleged mall robberies – syndicate members to face more charges
Police make breakthrough in mall robberies with arrest of six suspects
#ICYMI: Magistrate grills foiled robbery suspects as to why they were at Fourways Mall
