Bail for half of suspected Mogoditshane robbery gang
Innocent Selatlhwa | Wednesday November 4, 2015 15:43
The six men, all from Zimbabwe, are suspected of 18 counts of robbery, burglary and house breaking in the Mogoditshane area.
Yesterday, prosecutors said evidence gathered thus far suggested that only the first three of the arrested were responsible for the crimes. But there were nine suspects in total, with the other three, believed to be responsible for the crimes, suspected to have fled to Zimbabwe.
Broadhurst Magistrate Gennai Jansen granted three of the six men bail, while remanding the remainder further.
Public Prosecutor, Sub Inspector Tsogo Rantopa told the court that the investigating officer had agreed that Paul Sambadoti, Lovemore Mushidza and Arnold Kadonda be released on conditional bail. Zvenyika Mukanganise, Ishmael Chamakaona and Thabani Nkomo, he said, should be denied bail as investigations are still ongoing and other suspects are yet to be arrested. “Investigations carried out so far have linked these last three suspects to those who have since fled. They are likely to follow suit if released on bail.
“We have also not yet seen passports for Chamakaona and Nkomo to determine whether they are illegal immigrants or not.”
Rantopa also told court that investigators were yet to decide whether to amend the charge sheet or not. Delivering her ruling, Jansen ordered that the trio be granted bail on condition that they surrender their travelling documents, report to Mogoditshane Police weekly and pay varying amounts via sureties.
She also warned the suspects are not to commit any criminal activity while on bail.
Those not granted bail are set to appear on December 17, while those granted bail will appear on February 1, 2016.