According to the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping Pienaar is facing three charges, which are public violence, attempted murder, incitement and a possible fourth charge of terrorism, which is a provisional charge at this point, pending a decision by the NPA.
News24 reports that when handing down judgement, Magistrate Buti Mlangeni had stern words for Pienaar, finding that he had not made sufficient case to be released.
Mlangeni said there was a clear attempt by Pienaar to jeopardise the criminal case and investigation.
According to News24, Mlangeni said that, during Pienaar’s short time in custody, he was able to identify witnesses who could exonerate him.
“This was deliberate attempt to jeopardise a criminal investigation,” Mlangeni said.
The magistrate found that, if released, Pienaar may interfere with witnesses.
The matter was postponed to 20 November for further investigation.
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