UPDATE: Escape aiding accused cop’s case postponed
Police have meanwhile launched a manhunt for the escapee which the police officer allegedly assisted.
The police officer accused of helping an awaiting trial prisoner escape from custody was set to remain behind bars.
This after a lengthy appearance in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Police officer Samuel Mokoena – whose rank was unknown – faces charges of aiding and baiting a prisoner to escape from lawful arrest and two charges of defeating the ends of justice. He failed to inform the station commander that the rape-accused prisoner was not present upon arrival at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre.
In court, the magistrate ruled against Mokoena’s attorney Thabo Sedibe’s request to have the case postponed to Friday and granted prosecutor Tanya Carstens request for the case to only be heard next week once they had spoken to witnesses, retrieved tracker reports and video footage among others.
Sedibe requested the bail application be postponed to Friday as his client’s insulin was set to run out on the day.
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Carstens, however, argued Mokoena’s family members could get his prescription for him and arrangement would be made for him to get the medication.
Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for the rape-accused escapee.
Mokoena’s bail application will now be heard on his next court appearance, which is set for Wednesday, 28 August 2019.
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