Seven witnesses currently in witness protection will testify against the 16 accused of the SBV robbery of 2014.
The robbery that took place on April 27, 2014 saw the eMalahleni SBV holdings suffer a loss of more than R100-million.
The 16 accused appeared once again before the High Court of the Middelburg Magistrates Court on July 25.
Some were dressed in their Sunday best, others in a pair of jeans and a warm jacket, the walk down the cold corridors didn’t dampen spirits as friends greeted one another warmly before taking to the stand before Judge Dunstan Mlambo.
The court was in for a surprise once again as another accused opted to represent himself before the High Court, the latest trend.
As Judge Mlambo proceeded to ask the defence attorneys if they were ready for the last quarter, accused 14, Mr Teenage Mobogoane spoke up saying that he would like to represent himself before the court.
A chuckle was heard from viewers in the gallery as well as members of the court and those at the stand.
Mobogoane was questioned if that truly was his wish, and he was told that it is not an easy task representing yourself in a high court.
He claimed he was not ready and requested that the matter be postponed by a few weeks.
“I object to the postponement,” said Mr Hein van der Merwe, the prosecutor from the Director of Public Prosecution.
A valid point was made that Mobogoane was present at the time Mr Oupa Molapo elected to represent himself on February 8, and that he had enough time to make preparations.
Van der Merwe said that he would gladly provide the necessary documentation to Mobogoane to aid him in conducting his defence.
“The state will provide you with the necessary documentation but we are not obliged to provide you with tips and tricks on how to properly defend yourself,” said Judge Mlambo.
He continued to say that the next court date was discussed and that every accused was informed of making the proper arrangements.
“The documentation is not in my native language,” complained Mobogoane.
Another chuckle spread throughout the court room.
Judge Mlambo firmly said “You chose to represent yourself.”
And the discussion was put to rest.
Further matters were discussed which included Mr Petra Nkosi and Mr Lesley Khathi being informed that they would have to seek legal aid. The warrant of arrest against Mr Titus Maila was withdrawn as he appeared before the court explaining that his absence in the previous appearance was due to a medical condition he was suffering from.
Additionally Messrs Robert Clack, Elkin Shabangu, Titus Maila and Desmond Mohlamonyane were informed that they would have to seek legal aid before the following court date due to their attorneys withdrawing from the case.
Nkosi and Khathi formally requested that the next appearance be postponed for two to three weeks allowing them the time to seek legal aid, seeing as their attorney had also withdrawn.
During the discussions of the postponement, Molapo asked the court if he would have to be at the next court date.
“Well you are the accused,” said Judge Mlambo, entertaining Molapo’s query, to which he replied “I heard that you requested the defence to meet,” said Molapo.
Laughter broke out this time as the accused, court room and Judge enjoyed a touch of comedy on this serious matter.
After the laughter settled down Judge Mlambo said to the accused that they would have more than enough time while out on bail to arrange for the necessary representation for the following court date. He then provisionally postponed proceedings to accommodate the accused who would have to seek out legal aid.
“When you come on August 26 be sure to have made the proper arrangements,” said Judge Mlambo.
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