R1.2m robbery: Bail bid fails

2003-09-23 15:25

Umtata - Three of nine suspects implicated in the R1.2m Ngqeleni pension paypoint armed robbery in July, have been denied bail in the district court.

Records show that a few days after the robbery, a 10-man task team from Umtata, Butterworth and Queenstown, led by Captain Bongani Maqashalala, arrested the suspects.

Among them were a policeman, three former members of the national defence force and an East London businessman.

Magistrate Wayne Muller on Tuesday denied bail to detective inspector Morris Ngcobo, Yandisa Mgoduso and a taxi driver, Nkosinathi Shakes Biko.

Those who did not apply for bail were Andile Mgqibisa, Mzukisi Mabhuti Mooi, Nkululeko Dlulane, Lunga Madolo, Arron Jamani and Luzuko Mpokeli.

During a bail application, Biko acknowledged two pending armed robbery cases against him, including one of theft of a motor vehicle.

Large amount of stolen money not recovered

Ngcobo acknowledged a pending armed robbery case against him after an incident at an Engcobo supermarket. Mgoduso has no pending cases.

Delivering his almost two-hour judgment, Muller said it was still a mystery why Ngcobo was never suspended in the Engcobo case.

Muller also pointed out that a large sum of stolen money was still outstanding.

"The very money is likely to be used by the suspects should they be granted bail".

The court noted that both Ngcobo and Biko complained of health problems, but this was never supported by any documentation.

Muller said the three applicants did not discharge any satisfactory compelling circumstances that could qualify them in being admitted to bail.

The court heard earlier that police recovered three getaway vehicles, three 9mm pistols, 20 rounds of ammunition, R2 950 in cash and clothing worth R2 000.

Mooi and Dlulane's bail application was postponed to October 7.

- SAPA