The case against five suspects who were reportedly part of a cash in transit heist in Khayelitsha on Monday evening, has been struck off the court roll.
Three of the five appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s
Court on Thursday. The court heard that the two other men are still in hospital
under strict police guard.
The decision of Magistrate Brendale Abrahams comes after a
legal representative for one of the accused Cassiem Feni, argued that the
suspects were illegally brought before the court. He argued that Fermi by law
should have appeared within 48 hours. While the argument only came from Feni’s
lawyer, the other two suspects – Tebogo Maluke and Avuyile Mjongwana – were also
freed,
On Monday evening, eight cash-in-transit suspects opened
fire on the officers when they approached the scene and retaliated.
Seven AK-47 rifles, two R-5 rifles, one R-4 rifle, a
dashprod rifle, two pistols and three explosive charges were found in the
possession of the suspects. Numerous magazines filled with rounds of ammunition
were also confiscated.
Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Anroux
Marais, has expressed her shock and dismay about the matter.
“I am shocked and dismayed at this sloppy work, which is
completely unacceptable. The suspects must be re-arrested as soon as possible.
This cannot stand.’’
Western Cape police insists that the trio should not have
been freed Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile said the police will work
hard to have the matter reinstated.
Done By: Mitchum George
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