This was revealed during the men’s first appearance in a packed Bloemfontein Magistrate’s courtroom on Monday (today) where the matter was postponed to Wednesday, October 10. Gideon Mandindi, Molebatsi Modisenyane, Mohlomi Ramaphiri, and Seabelo Mogopodi are alleged to have robbed a shop owner in Kopanong, Phase 3, last week taking R25 000 in cash, cigarettes, and a cell phone. The four men’s legal counsel requested that they be transferred from Grootvlei to the Bainsvlei Correctional Facility and Heidedal Prison respectively for their own protection. The prosecution did not oppose this request.

Prosecutor, Advocate Johan de Vries, said the state recognises the accused’s concern, seeing that the three men were appearing in the dock with some individuals they had a hand in arresting. The policemen, who are between the ages of 31 and 58, will remain in police custody at these local prisons until they apply for bail. Courtroom 20, where the three constables and one captain appeared, was filled to capacity with other police officials and family members. OFM News previously reported that the state opposed bail for the four men, something which legal counsel for the accused questioned. They further added that it is not clear if the state opposed bail entirely for the police officers or intended on postponing proceedings for further information and investigation.

De Vries stressed that it would look like the state was favouring the policemen, if bail was not opposed. Following his concern, proceedings were thereafter adjourned to allow the prosecution to engage with the investigating officer as well as the accused’s legal counsel on the matter. Following the adjournment, the parties agreed to have the matter postponed to Wednesday, October 10, for bail applications.

OFM News