Court B was abuzz as benches were full to the capacity with family and loved ones awaiting the fate of their loved ones.
On Thursday, October 6 when the sessions begun the room was quiet where you could literally hear a pin drop.
Various cases such as illegal immigration, assault and driving under the influence of liquor were some of the cases before the court of which a couple of cases were transferred to Courts C and D. Vosman Magistrate Court also had transfers from Witbank Magistrate Court.
Taking the stand was a man who made his second appearance for driving under the influence of liquor. The magistrate, Ms Daleen Venter suggested the case be struck off the roll due to outstanding blood results. When the prosecutor read the docket, he discovered blood had not been drawn yet and for that reason the matter was struck off.
Another case was that of a man who was charged with assault, he chose to conduct his own defence. His case was also struck off the roll because Venter felt the investigation was not completed as a result he was excused until further notice.
A case of theft was postponed for October 19 for a plea. The man was accused of stealing groceries from his mother. He chose to conduct his own defence. When asked if he had been arrested before, the grade 12 learner stated that he did not have any pending matters or previous convictions. According to his sister, she claims her younger brother was on drugs, stopped recently and now smoking the substances again. Venter asked what his plea will be next week when he makes his appearance and he stated that he would plead guilty towards the charges. His bail was fixed at R500.
Two men were found respectively without passports. The first man to take the stand remained in custody after the arrest. His sister managed to bring his documents which showed that he was legally in the country. This led to his case being withdrawn.
Another man who also appeared under the same charge had his case postponed to October 19 for his plea. The man from Mozambique had no previous convictions or any pending matters. He applied for legal aid assistance which will help him with his defence. He remains in custody until next Wednesday.
The fight against drugs continues. This follows after a man was found with heroin. The man who was in custody was granted bail of R1000. The matter was postponed to December 20 for further investigation.
A case of theft was postponed to October 18 after a woman was arrested with chocolates at a shop. A case of theft was opened against her. When given an option of either applying for legal aid assistance, hiring her own lawyer or conducting her own defence. She chose to represent herself. She was granted bail of R500.
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