VANDERBIJLPARK – The eight accused linked to an R9.9m Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) electricity scam will learn whether they will walk free or remain behind bars next week.

The accused appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday (September 7) where their lawyers argued for bail.

Seven suspects were initially arrested on charges including tampering with essential infrastructure, fraud, theft and money laundering.

They are David Senekal, Caroline Maduna, Kenneth Mahobe, Hlawutelo Baloyi, Pule Masilo, Andries Maduna and Sibusiso Tshabalala.

The eighth accused, 25-year-old Janitha van Reenen, was re-arrested outside the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court shortly after securing bail in a separate fraud case involving the municipality.

She was granted bail by the Johannesburg High Court last Monday after three unsuccessful attempts to secure her release at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court.

Van Reenen was re-arrested last Thursday by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team, which alleges that she was the mastermind behind a syndicate involved in illegal electricity connections in Emfuleni.

During Monday’s proceedings, State Prosecutor Titus Daniso argued against bail, saying the charges were serious and that additional charges could still be added.

“We can’t rule out that the accused will commit a Schedule 1 offence,” Daniso told the court.

He said the alleged tampering with essential infrastructure was serious.

“There is a lot at stake, and there is a likelihood that the accused might try to evade or disrupt investigations,” he said.

Daniso said investigators were awaiting a final determination on further charges.

“What we have is enough to convince this court not to grant the accused bail. Investigations are almost final, and only one Section 205 statement is pending. This matter will then be ready for trial,” he said.

The court is expected to deliver its bail judgment next Monday (September 14) and also deal with the new formal bail application for Van Reenen.