The 35-year old, Thabang Mahlaba and 37-year old Obakeng Marumo, indicated in their individual affidavits that they were arrested purely on the basis that Raymond Katiso Leputla – accused number 1 in the matter - pointed at them in his statement. All three accused reappeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court today, where the matter was promptly postponed to September 20, for Leputla’s formal bail application.

Mahlaba, a self-employed panel beater and Marumo, a taxi owner residing in Thaba Nchu, were released on R 8000 bail each, on August 30. The two are facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, after Leputla implicated them in his statement. 

It has been revealed previously, that it is unclear at this stage whether further investigations would strengthen the case against the two men. Prosecutor, Johan De Vries has on the other hand argued that this does not mean there is no case against the two co-accused.

While the two men do not have any pending cases, they both have previous convictions for car theft in 2008 and possession of a stolen vehicle in 2007, respectively.

They are to report to their local police stations twice a week and they may not leave the Bloemfontein jurisdiction without written permission of the Investigating officer. They have also handed in their passports and any other travelling documents to the investigating officer.

Leputla will on the other hand have to wait until September 20, for his shot at applying for bail. He will be in a correctional facility in Kroonstad till then. He is facing a number of charges that include, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of explosives and using a motor vehicle without consent.

According to OFM News’ previous reports the cash-in transit heist, specifically described as a cross-pavement robbery, took place on August 8. A cross-pavement robbery, is when guards are robbed while carrying cash from the vans to a business or vice versa.

Leputla, who is the owner of Katiso Motors, was caught by police the same day, driving a white BMW X5 that belongs to ANC Deputy Chairperson, William Bulwane. He was stopped by police by the Bloemgate Complex and found in possession of an R5-rifle, a pistol, rifle magazines and about R 100 000 in cash. Following further investigations, more ammunition and suspected explosives were found at Leputla’s residence.

Bulwane has distanced himself from the crime, adding he sent it to a panel beater, as per his insurance’s suggestion following an accident in May.

OFM News