By Lehlohonolo Lehana
The case against eight VIP protection officers formerly attached to Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been postponed to November.
The eight police officers have been charged for the assault of motorists on the N1, near Fourways earlier this year.
The suspended protectors appeared briefly in the Randburg Magistrates Court with their faces still hidden behind masks.
According to state prosecutor Elise le Roux, it was on mutual agreement that the accused are still masked because of an outstanding identity parade.
Le Roux told the court that there were earlier logistical challenges in arranging the parade, including the relocation to other provinces by some of the witnesses.
“I’ve already made an arrangement for the conducting of the identity parade on the 18th of October. That date will be suitable for all parties.
“Your Worship, I just want to place on record that the accused are still masked as they were on the previous occasion. At this stage, it’s by mutual agreement in view of the fact that the identity parade still needs to be conducted.”
Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokhonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Aggrie Rambau, and Moses Tshidada, were last month granted R10,000 bail each as the state came under fire for “prematurely” putting a case on the court roll that was “weak” and “frail”.
This after a video of the attack by the group, went viral.
The court previously heard that the individual who had originally published the video and was since named as a state witness whose identity may not be disclosed had received threatening messages.
The court today, also heard of the withdrawal of the three legal representatives for the accused and the introduction of one counsel for all eight men.
Mbhoni Mahlaule, Xabiso Shotshonganye and Fanie Kabini represented the officers during their successful bail bid but on Wednesday they were replaced by Grayne Sekhasimbe.
Le Roux outlined the outstanding matters in the state’s investigation as she requested a postponement.
“There are two cellphone records outstanding. We should receive that shortly. The identity parade, which I’ve arranged with new counsel, and a few statements are also outstanding.
All eight provisionally face 12 charges, including malicious damage to property, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm. They have denied the charges.