By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former president Nelson Mandela’s grandson was released on Friday, following his arrest with other four co-accused for possession of a hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed firearm.
The arrests took place in the same house where the African National Congress (ANC) struggle icon died in 2013.
The arrests followed the recovery of a hijacked white Toyota Corolla at Mandela’s Houghton residence by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
The accused appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
They face charges of being in possession of a hijacked vehicle, kidnapping and an unlicensed firearm.
During Friday’s court session, the state filed an application to temporarily restrict the media from identifying the four accused.
“As a result, we ask that the applicants of the media houses that are before yourself not to show faces, name the accused by race or gender until the second appearance of all accused before court,” the state prosecutor stated.
Magistrate JD Herman granted the request to protect the identities of the accused.
The prosecutor informed the court of potential penalties for the kidnapping charges, which could result in sentences of up to 15 years for first-time offenders, 20 years for second offences, and 30 years for third offences if convicted.
The state also requested a postponement to allow time for an identity parade to be conducted as police investigations continue.
However, the defence opposed the delay, urging the court to prioritise bail hearings.
“It would be in violation of their right to apply for bail,” the defence lawyer argued.
The prosecutor countered by highlighting the importance of the identity parade, suggesting it could benefit the accused during their bail applications.
“If the court says it is available on that day with these facts still outstanding, we have no objection. But, however, the ID parade goes either way.”
“It may assist the applicants on their bail applications or may assist the state, “the state advocate said.
The magistrate postponed the case to 17 January.
Until then, all accused will remain in custody.
NPA said there’s insufficient evidence linking Mandela grandson
After their court appearance, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane gave details on the matter. She said the fifth suspect (Mandela’s grandson) was released following insufficient evidence linking him to the alleged offences.
Mandela house
Since the passing of Mandela in 2013, the former statesman’s Houghton home has fallen into neglect.
Last year, renovations to the Mandela house were halted due to a family dispute over the property.
The property has been left without electricity and proper maintenance, with some areas deteriorating significantly.