By Hendrick Mphande
Bail was yesterday denied to one of three men arrested in connection with an armed robbery at the Wimpy Bar at Port Elizabeth’s Metlife Plaza three months ago.
On August 16, five men stormed the Kabega Park restaurant at lunch time and forced customers to lie on their stomachs while they made off with cellphones, wallets and other valuables.
After the gang escaped, security officials and police gave chase, following the getaway car to New Brighton, where a dramatic shoot-out ensued.
Themba Mohale, 31, of Mnqandi Street, New Brighton, Thabile Matiwane, 25, of Qeqe Street, Zwide, and Bulelani Mabija, 25 of Magxaki Street, Kwazakhele, were arrested.
The three men face charges of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, robbery and illegal possession of firearms.
The murder charge stemmed from the death in the shoot-out of Nelson Mandela Bay traffic officer Mhlope Menye, apparently an accomplice. Sources close to the case revealed that the police were still looking for a second traffic officer for his alleged involvement.
Mohale was the only one to bring a formal bail application after his co-accused abandoned theirs earlier. The court found there was a likelihood that Mohale might commit a similar offence if granted bail.
“The court is encouraged to treat a case of this nature with caution. I am told you were out on bail for armed robbery when you committed the present offence,” said magistrate Makhetha Pheko.
The magistrate was referring to an armed robbery committed near Njoli Square.
During the bail application, Mohale, who was defended by attorney Andile Ngqakayi, testified that he had simply been picked up by the police as he was walking in the street.
Prosecutor Babalwa Tyutu said Mohale had no regard for the rule of law, considering that he had committed the offences while out on bail on a similar charge.
The court found no peculiar or exceptional circumstance for Mohale to be granted bail.
The defence was critical of the way the identification parade had been conducted.
Ngqakayi said that shortly after his clients were arrested, a police officer had taken witnesses to the scene, where his clients were pointed out.
The case was postponed to December 9.
