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News24 reports that in a bid to persuade the Randburg Magistrate's Court to release eight Presidential Protection Services officers on bail, their lawyers argued that the men were no longer in a "position of power" and could not intimidate State witnesses.
"Their position has been weakened despite being highly trained specialised officers. They are no longer in that powerful position as before. I submit they are in a powerless position; they are no longer those powerful VIP protection officers," lawyer Fanie Kabini told the court on Thursday. He pointed out that as part of their suspension, his clients had to hand in their firearms and appointment cards. In addition, they were instructed not to interfere with the investigation. Kabini submitted that it was in the interests of justice to release his clients on bail with strict conditions. "They still need to be employed and still need to oppose the charges against them at their disciplinary hearings. The charges against the accused are very weak," he stated. This after the State argued that the release of the suspects on bail could pose a threat to State witnesses. They were caught on video assaulting four occupants of a vehicle on the N1 highway and face 12 charges, including pointing a firearm, reckless and negligent driving, malicious damage to property, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, obstruction of justice, and assault by way of threat. In closing arguments in the bail application on Thursday, State advocate Elize Le Roux argued that the eight men were part of a specialised unit and that they had access to resources, despite their suspensions. Magistrate Hlengiwe Mkhabisi will deliver judgment on Tuesday.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Iavan Pijoos at News24
- Lees ook, Blouligbrigade: Staat sê hy het sterk saak, by Maroela Media
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page