WATCH: Bribery accused ANC officials apply for bail at Vryheid Magistrates Court in KZN

DA, IFP and ANC supporters arrived early at the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning to witness the first court appearance of the three ANC members who were arrested by the Hawks for corruption on Thursday, Vryheid Herald reports.

Vryheid SAPS had to be called to the court to control the large mob demanding to be let in.

ANC leader, Zakhele (Zakes) Buthelezi, ANC whip, Maria Mabaso, and head of AbaQulusi’s Women’s Caucus, Cllr NY Mdlalose, appeared in C court this morning, which was full to capacity.

Magistrate Ellen Gropp, who presided over the proceedings, agreed that the charge was a schedule 1 offence.

State prosecutor, André Symington, did not object to bail as all three accused have no previous convictions and their permanent physical addresses within the Vryheid district have been confirmed.

They were granted R7 500 bail each on condition that they do not communicate with, or attempt to intimidate, Cllr Magda Viktor.

Cllr Viktor of the DA reported the ANC members’ alleged intention to bribe her to vote with them in a vote of no confidence against the IFP speaker, allowing the Hawks to make the arrest just after R20 000 was paid over to her at Vryheid Junction yesterday.

The case was postponed to January 16, to allow for the investigation to be completed. All three accused are being represented by Durban based attorney, Ravindra Maniklall.