Africa-Press – South-Africa. The State intends to oppose bail for five men linked to the torching of trucks in three provinces.
Nelson Khulekani Shongwe, 29, Sibusiso Emmanuel Mthethwa, 38, Fundile Alberta Mpondo, 41, Mafika William Sibanda, 61, and Nkosingiphile Nkosikhona Gumede, 27, appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
They are members of the African Truck Drivers Forum.
They are charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances, malicious damage to property, conspiracy to commit the crime of malicious damage to property and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, said: “The accused appeared for verification of addresses and bail application. The State was ready to proceed, but the defence requested the postponement in preparation for bail application.
“All parties agreed and postponed the case to 10 August for a bail application. Due to the seriousness of the offences the accused are charged with, the State will oppose bail.
“The State alleges the accused damaged trucks used for transporting goods on the N2 due to certain grievances in the transport industry.”
The accused will remain in custody pending the outcome of their application.
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