While response from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is being awaited on a report as to why one of Polokwane’s most wanted suspects was released on R500 bail three weeks ago, Baiden Scheepers again appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on new charges on Monday after his latest arrest on Saturday. The case took yet another surprising turn when the presiding officer indicated that she considered sending him for rehabilitation because of his alleged drug addiction.
During Monday’s proceedings Scheepers, in reply to a question from magistrate Janine Ungerer, admitted that he was using drugs. Asked whether he would want to go on a rehabilitation programme he said he would.
Ungerer advised the state prosecutor to make a note of his agreement to participate in a rehabilitation programme before postponing the case to 4 October for profiling. It was learnt that in addition to Scheepers’ profile a social worker’s report might also be required before Ungerer would make a decision on sending Scheepers for rehabilitation.
Scheepers was arrested on Saturday along Grobler Street for being in possession of suspected housebreaking equipment.
His latest arrest followed about two weeks after he and his accomplice Lourellee Huang who both face charges of possession of suspected stolen property and housebreaking equipment were released on R500 bail each.
During the bail application on 6 September the state prosecutor indicated that Scheepers had no previous convictions and only one pending case against him. Polokwane Observer then directed an inquiry to NPA Limpopo Communications Manager Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi about information received regarding alleged previous convictions in the matter but she declined to provide official comment until she has received a report from the prosecutor regarding the matter.
Malabi-Dzhangani this week did not respond to Polokwane Observer’s enquiry about a response on the report.
Scheepers simultaneously appeared on a pending case of vehicle theft in Westenburg. Both these cases will be heard again on 28 October.
Story: RC Myburgh
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