By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The case against Longwe Twala has been postponed to 4 December in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg to afford the investigating officer time to verify the accused’s details.
Longwe was taken into custody on Tuesday, 26 November, after being on the run for more than four weeks.
This came after a warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to appear in court on 25 October, violating his bail conditions.
During his court appearance, Longwe claimed his failure to appear recently was due to him “feeling sick” and he said he informed his aunt.
“Longwe Twala gave the court the reason that he was sick and informed his aunt, but failed to provide proof that he consulted a doctor. The investigating officer has to get a statement from the aunt to confirm what he said in court, “said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
Mjonondwane said: “The process of him applying for bail is within his rights, however the court will make a ruling in terms of the hearing of him being in contempt of court.
“It’s in the hands of the court. He has the right to apply for bail, and the state must respond to his application. It is likely the state will oppose his release on bail. He has shown he cannot be trusted.”
Longwe and his younger brother, Sello (34), were arrested for stealing equipment worth thousands of rands while their father was in the US.
Sello’s case has since been withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. However, Longwe remains under investigation as legal proceedings continue.