Merc driver will no longer plead guilty to looting charges

THIRTY-year-old Mbuso Moloi, who was charged with public violence, theft, trespassing, and contravention of the National Road Traffic Regulations 2000, made his third appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today, August 12.

A video of Moloi went viral when he was caught walking back to his Mercedes Benz, on July 12, with a basket of items from a popular retail store in Glenwood during the looting spree in Durban.

Also read: Merc driver released on R5000 bail after Glenwood ‘looting’ incident

Commenting on Moloi’s court appearance, Natasha Kara, regional spokesperson for the Directors of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal (DPP KZN), said Moloi will no longer be pleading guilty. “The matter was previously postponed as Moloi had indicated to the court (on record) that he intended pleading guilty to the charges of public violence, theft, trespassing, and contravention of the National Road Traffic Regulations 2000 (operating a motor vehicle with a number plate displaying a license number not applicable to the motor vehicle),” she said. “However, in court today, Moloi advised the court that he will no longer be pleading guilty,” continued Kara.

Also read: WATCH: Rampant looting across Durban

The matter was postponed to October 12 for further investigations.

“Moloi will remain out on bail of R5 000. The state asked for reporting conditions to be added to his previous bail condition that he surrender his passport and not to leave the province of KwaZulu-Natal without consulting with the investigating officer. Thus, he must now also report to the Pinetown Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday, between 06:00 and 18:00,” concluded Kara.