Yesterday, Inspector Alexander Phale applied before magistrate Sijabuliso Siziba for the charges to be provisionally withdrawn without prejudice to the state. Phale told the magistrate that they have since established that the BMW car that police suspected was stolen lawfully belongs to the student's brother.
Last week he told the court that they arrested the trio after they failed to provide satisfactory answers when questioned about the ownership of the car. Phale said the charges might be reinstated in future if police gather sufficient evidence to prosecute the accused. Family members and friends of the trio who occupied almost all the benches in the public gallery burst into celebration after the magistrate ruled that the charges would be withdrawn. The court interpreter had to tell them to stop celebrating in court because they were disturbing proceedings. Their celebrations continued outside court. They were overheard saying that justice has finally prevailed because the student will now continue with his education.
