This is according to the investigating officer in the matter, Warrant Officer Johannes Last who continued with his evidence in the bail application of three of the six men at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 14 November.
The six were arrested at the end of September, on allegations that they had planned to rob a cellphone store in Fourways Mall. They are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery with aggravating circumstances. They are also charged with possession of prohibited firearms (fully automatic firearms) and possession of firearms without a licence, permit or authorisation to possess such firearms.
Last was responding to a cross-examination question by defence attorney, Justin Rangaka, who put it to him that one of the accused persons, Lethabo Sheshingwani was a peaceful individual and posed no danger to the public, should he be released on bail.
Last vehemently disagreed with this statement. “Looking at the seriousness and degree of violence in some of the crimes he committed, I cannot say he is not violent. He and his co-accused persons are dangerous and violent people. They pose a serious danger to the community.”
Last pointed out that in some of the robberies that the police linked them to, shots were fired in malls where the safety of the general public was placed at risk by the accused persons.
Last also told the court that there was no guarantee that the accused persons would not commit more crimes should they be released on bail.
He referred to the other current court cases that accused number three, Raymond Sibanyoni is currently facing. Sibanyoni is a parolee.
At the time of his arrest for this case in Randburg Magistrates’ Court, he was out on bail in a Mamelodi Magistrates’ Court case.
Regional Magistrate Gayle Prestorious instructed the state to subpoena Sibanyoni’s parole officer to testify about the accused’s character.
Some of the other accused also have current cases at other courts.
Last also told the court that one of the assault rifles found in possession of the accused persons belonged to Fidelity Security. According to last, that assault rifle was allegedly taken from a Fidelity Security guard during an armed robbery of a British American Tobacco (BAT) vehicle. Fidelity Security was escorting the BAT vehicle.
Last told the court that they could not charge the accused persons for other mall robberies as previously indicated in court. He pointed out that the arrest of their ‘mates’ in Midrand last week meant that the scope of the investigation had changed. However, he maintained that more charges will be added.
The bail hearing will continue on 20 November.
