The case against eight VIP protection officers who were allegedly linked to an assault on the N1 highway in July has been postponed after their brief court appearance on Wednesday. The state requested more time to finalize outstanding issues in its investigation, leading to the delay.
The eight men appeared in the Randburg magistrate’s court before magistrate Hlengiwe Mkhasibe. They were granted R10,000 bail each last month, as the state faced criticism for prematurely putting a weak and frail case on the court roll.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Police Launch Extensive Manhunt Following Brutal Murder Of 97-Year-Old Woman
The accused provisionally face 12 charges, including malicious damage to property, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and pointing a firearm. They have all pleaded not guilty.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the three legal representatives for the accused were replaced by Grayne Sekhasimbe, who now represents all eight men. Prosecutor Elize le Roux outlined the outstanding matters in the state’s investigation, including two cellphone records and a few statements. She requested a postponement to allow for the completion of these tasks.
Le Roux also mentioned that she had arranged an identity parade, which will take place on October 18 with the assistance of the new counsel.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Five Men Shot Dead In Gugulethu
This development marks a change in the state’s position, as they had previously stated that they had no intention of conducting an identity parade to allow the victims to identify their alleged assailants. The accused will remain masked until the identity parade is conducted, as agreed upon by both the state and the defence.
The case is set to resume in November, once the investigation is complete and all outstanding matters have been resolved.
