23 Jun 2023

The trial in which the quartet of Mothusi Matomela, Thapelo Lekobe, Mzwandile Mazibuko and Elliot Ntshalintshali are charged with armed robbery of G4S Security company has been postponed to July 10.

The matter, which was initially allotted June 19 and 20 for completion, was postponed due to varying factors. When the trial resumes next month, heated arguments are expected as the state plans to introduce its last, but one witness in one Tirelo Marope, whose affidavit’s authenticity has previously been contested.

Also expected to be argued is Lekone’s attempt at bail. His lawyer, Mr Arnold Mosepele noticed the court of their plan to seek bail, which he was advised to put in writing and serve the prosecution.

The parties have also been directed to file their heads of argument by July 3. Meanwhile on Thursday, the defence put on the dock Detective Sergeant Moses Motshegare who attended the report of the robbery.

Motshegare informed court that when they searched Matome they retrieved a set of keys, one of which started the vehicle that was used in the robbery.

The defence attorney for Mazibuko and Ntshalintshali, Mr Nkosana Ngwenya however, argued that the keys should not be admitted in court as evidence as they were retrieved from the accused illegally.

“Legally, the police should have had a search warrant to search the accused persons. Without such, the act amounted to an illegal search and seizure,” he argued.

However, under redirection from prosecutor, Mr Farai Mahwite, Detective Sergeant Motshegare said that at the material time he was just a detective constable and that due to his position, he did not know whether a search warrant was available or even necessary.

“I only knew that according to the law, any officer of the rank of sergeant and above can search without a warrant,” he said.

The men are accused of robbing a G4S Security company cash amounting to P2 310 000 at Turnrite mall in Mogoditshane on October 13 2021.

 The quartet also faces further charges of unlawful possession of fire arms, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of goods stolen outside the country. Ntshalintshali and Mazibuko, who are South African citizens, face a further charge of entering the country illegally. Ends