Mulbarton kidnapping case postponed as court issues cause delays
A foreign national linked to the rescue of 12 boys will return to the dock in November after broken microphones halted proceedings.
A joint operation by law enforcement led to the rescue of 12 boys and the arrest of a foreign national suspected of kidnapping on January 5.
The accused appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on October 27.
While he was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, the charge against the accused falls under Section 42 of the South African Immigration Act, which strictly prohibits aiding, abetting, assisting, or enabling an illegal foreigner to stay, work, or operate a business in the country.
Legal aid delay
His attorney was again absent from court, and the accused said he had not contacted his lawyer since July.
At his last appearance, the court instructed him to apply for legal aid.
The court microphones were out of order, meaning the case could not be recorded and therefore could not proceed.
The court postponed the case to November 12 for the accused to apply for legal aid.
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