UPDATE: Bail denied for cop ‘assaulter’
The main suspect in the case where a local cop was assaulted will remain behind bars until August as his bail application was denied.
One of the suspects, who allegedly brutally assaulted an off-duty police officer and his brother outside a bar in the north of Pretoria, was denied bail today.
Francois Leibrandt will remain behind bars after his bail application failed in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on 9 July.
Leibrandt (24), Cindy Esterhuizen (26) and Jacques van der Merwe (33) were arrested on 22 June following the alleged attack on off-duty Sinoville police constable Leon Mentz and his brother Arrie.
On 5 July, Esterhuizen and Van der Merwe were released on R1 000 bail each.
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The three allegedly assaulted Mentz and his brother with glass objects in the parking area outside the bar in Braam Pretorius Street.
Leibrandt’s bail application was strongly opposed in statements submitted by the Sinoville CPF and investigating officer.
Leibrandt has three cases pending against him and was out on bail when the attack took place.
He was reportedly released on bail two days before the alleged assault.
Pending cases against Leibrandt include assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and attempted murder.
The case has been postponed to 14 August for further investigation.
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