Court locked for Jhb suspects
2006-06-27 13:30
Johannesburg - Nine of the 11 men arrested after a shooting in Jeppestown on Sunday which left four policemen dead, were remanded in custody until July 27 by the Roodepoort magistrate's court on Tuesday.
Magistrate Delize Smith ordered that no names, addresses, identifiable photographs or video footage of the men be published.
They were charged with armed robbery and attempted murder. The murder charges relating to the deaths of the policemen are still being formulated.
The four policemen and eight robbers died in the shoot-out after police went to the house to investigate an armed robbery in Honeydew earlier on Sunday.
A twelfth man was arrested immediately after the robbery and led the police to the Jeppestown house.
Doors locked
After the appearance, a policeman, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the other three people arrested could appear later. They are currently receiving medical treatment.
The nine were shackled at their ankles and cuffed at the wrists, and they listened intently as three interpreters, one in Portuguese, explained that they faced charges that could lead to life sentences and that they had the right to choose legal aid.
Eight opted for legal aid, while the ninth said he would arrange his own representation.
At least 10 armed policemen locked the doors and stood directly behind the accused during the proceedings. The court was also cleared of spectators.
Officials from other courts came to watch the proceedings.
Plainclothes police and prison officials were also present.
The prosecutor, Mardie Human, asked for the order prohibiting publication of the identity of the accused because the investigation was still under way.
"There are lots of investigations at this stage and it might jeopardise the investigations," she said.
The men left the court silently with their heads down and did not make contact with anyone in the public gallery.
Afterwards West Rand detective Senior Superintendent Luke Enslin, who was on the scene on Sunday, said: "I am happy that they have been in court. This (remand) gives the investigators time."
- SAPA