The case of two suspects who were expected to appear at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of theft and assault in connection with the stabbing of a woman in Hillbrow on 3 May was struck from the court roll yesterday.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Phindi Louw, the court refused to hear the matter as there was not enough evidence against one of the suspects.
“The matter was brought to the NPA after 48 hours had lapsed,” she told City Buzz.
“As a result, the NPA had to follow the route of notice for accused number 1 to appear in court. However, there is currently no evidence against the other accused.”
Read: UPDATE: Police arrest two suspects in connection with shocking knife attack on woman in Hillbrow
Louw, however, added that notice will be served for the second accused to appear in court once further investigations have been completed and satisfactory evidence presented.
It is alleged that both accused, whose names are known to the publication, accosted a woman in her mid-20s as she was walking to work along Quartz and Peterson streets, in the vicinity of the hijacked Vannin Court. The woman sustained multiple cuts on both hands after one of the suspects allegedly stabbed her when she refused to hand over her cellphone.
The suspects allegedly managed to make off with one cellphone, while the other cellphone was recovered near the scene of the incident. New information released by Hillbrow police suggests that at least three assailants accosted the woman. However, the victim later indicated to the police that only two men had approached her before they robbed and assaulted her.
Hillbrow Police Station spokesperson, sergeant Mduduzi Zondo, told City Buzz that the police are searching for a third suspect.
City Buzz will provide further updates on the matter once new information is made available.
Read: Woman survives brutal knife attack in Hillbrow
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