By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s VIP Protection Unit members, who were filmed beating people on the side of the N1 Highway in Johannesburg, have all been granted R10,000 bail.
Shadrack Molekatlane Kojana, Johannes Matome Mampuru, Pomso Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakameseni Mkhize, Lesibana Aggrie Rambau, and Moses Fhatuwani Tshidada made their fourth appearance in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
They handed themselves over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid). They face 12 charges that include malicious damage to property, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, pointing a firearm, reckless or negligent driving and an attempt to defeat or obstruct the administration of justice.
Magistrate Hlengiwe Mkhabisi said bail price will be fixed to demonstrate the seriousness of this case. She said court is mindful bail is to secure accused attendance for trial.
Mkhabisi said there was no evidence that the officers would attempt to evade trial, because their family ties were in Gauteng.
She added that their passports and travel documents had been handed to the investigating officer.
Mkhabisi said that bail conditions could be imposed to ensure that the accused did not interfere with witnesses.
“In this instance, at this stage, the applicants do to not know the identities of the complainants,” she said.
She added that there was no evidence that the applicants would jeopardise the investigation or disturb public order and stability.
“The State failed to place evidence before this court that the interest of justice does not permit it to release the applicants on bail,” she said.
The matter postponed to 27 September 2023 for further investigations.