Mr Baloyi’s bail application dismissed
Magistrate says State has provided enough evidence to oppose bail.
EVANDER – The atmosphere in the Evander Magistrate’s Court was tense when Mr Solly Baloyi, the suspected hijacker of a mini-bus taxi, appeared for a bail hearing on Tuesday, 10 March.
The case was expected to begin at 10am, but Mr Roos, magistrate, adjourned court until 2pm.
Mr Baloyi is a taxi owner from Gauteng.
He was sweating profusely and was sobbing throughout the hearing.
He was arrested in February after a tip off that a mini-bus that was hi-jacked in eMbalenhle was seen taking pupils to school in Gauteng.
The police went to the school.
The driver said the bus was not his and directed the police to his boss, Mr Baloyi.
He was found in his home in Tsakane and the Navara which was believed to have been used by the suspects to escape on the day of the hi-jacking, was located.
Mr Baloyi was arrested, as was his co-accused who was in possession of a firearm.
Mr Baloyi pleaded not guilty the the charges.
In his statement he said he did not commit the crime and that he had bought the mini-bus.
He asked to be granted bail on the basis of poor health and said he does not have any intentions of leaving the country.
Mr Baloyi said he does have a passport and relatives living outside the country, but he does not have any intentions of fleeing because of his wife and children.
The state opposed bail and Lt Simon Mlotswa, investigative officer, said Mr Boloyi should not be granted bail because of him having a passport and relatives living in Mozambique.
He said hijacking is a high profile and organised crime.
“How will he fail to use the same skills in organising to leave the country?
“It is not in the public’s interest that he receives bail.
“This case has caused tension between two taxi associations.
Mr Roos dismissed the bail application because the state had provided enough evidence that his release could result in public disturbance and violence among taxi associations.
“It is the duty of the judiciary to maintain order and peace in the community.”
Mr Baloyi remains in custody and will again appear in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 March.
