All five suspects arrested in connection with the May 17 cash-in-transit heist which took place next to the intersection of North Rand and Atlas roads, Boksburg, won’t apply for bail.
The case was following a brief court appearance, postponed to August 13 after the state requested that it be given at least two months to carry out a further investigation into the robbery, adding that the state would be awaiting the ballistics test results on the weapons used in the crime.
One of the accused, Sibusiso Khumalo, has chosen to apply for State representation and is waiting to hear the outcome of his legal aid application.
The accused may not be appearing in person on August 13 but via video link from the prison.
During the suspects’ second court appearance in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on May 28, one of the accused, Paul Sibanda, told the court that he would be lodging arguments for bail when they make their third court appearance on June 13.
Sibanda has, however, changed his mind and during the brief court appearance on June 13, his defence told the court that the accused abandons his bail application.
Two accused indicated during the previous court appearance that they won’t apply and the two others said they were at the time (May 28) still undecided. In a turn of events, all men chose not to apply for bail.
The arrested five men and about five others, who are still at large, allegedly targeted two cash vans from G4S next to the intersection of North Rand and Atlas roads, in May.
The gang reportedly bombed both cash vans, exchanged fire with the G4S guards and stole cash before fleeing the scene in four different vehicles.
The accused are facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of explosives, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of a fully automatic firearm, possession of semi-automatic firearms and 10 attempted murder counts. Further charges could be added to the long list the five men are facing.
Different police units reacted and gave chase, which ended at the George Koch Hostel where the five suspects were arrested.
A helicopter was also used during the dramatic chase. -@MthuphaFanie
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