VANDERBIJLPARK – A broken recording machine has put the brakes on the bail bid of seven Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) employees accused of involvement in an alleged illegal electricity reconnection scheme.
The group appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court today, but the proceedings could not go ahead because the equipment in B Court was not working.
The accused are David Senekal, Caroline Maduna, Kenneth Mahobe, Hlawutelo Baloyi, Pule Masilo, Andries Maduna and Sibusiso Tshabalala. They face multiple charges including tampering with essential infrastructure, fraud, theft and money laundering.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana expressed frustration, noting that the state was fully prepared to proceed and strongly oppose bail.
She said the problem was outside the state’s control as court recording equipment falls under the Department of Justice.
“The magistrate and the prosecutor have agreed that they will prioritise the matter at the next appearance,” Mahanjana said.
The matter was postponed to September 2 to allow the court to make arrangements for the accused to appear in a courtroom with working recording facilities.
The NPA has also warned that more charges could follow as investigations into the alleged scheme continue.
The seven suspects remain in custody while they await their next court appearance.
