Chief justice burglary suspect remanded

The case against the man suspected of breaking into the office of the chief justice (OCJ) was remanded in Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

About 15 computers were stolen in March in what many believe is a targeted attack on the judiciary, as they contained personal information about the judges.

It was agreed in court that suspect Nkosinathi Msimango, who is on bail, would present himself to the local police forensics unit to have photographs taken of him for comparison to CCTV footage recorded at the OCJ.

Afterwards, he said outside the court, he would be instructing his attorney, Sammy Mahlangu, to have the charges against him dropped.

“I know for a fact I was not involved, so that’s why I’m willing to do anything they want me to do, photos, anything,” said Msimango.

“Police are saying an informer gave them five names, and my name was included. That’s why I was arrested.”

Msimango said the case was costing him in terms of attorney fees and time.

Mahlangu said if the state found the photo comparisons put his client at the scene, he would appoint his own forensics specialist.

So, far the OCJ, the Hawks and, most recently, the Gauteng North office of the director of public prosecutions have been broken into.

The case was remanded to August 30.