Charges against Bolt driver accused of attacking two women strengthened to attempted murder
Benedict Chitungu was arrested on Wednesday when he handed himself to the police.
Benedict Chitungu was only arrested on Wednesday when he handed himself to the police. Picture: Melikhaya Zagagana/ Eyewitness News.
CAPE TOWN - Charges against a Bolt driver accused of attacking two female passengers have been strengthened to attempted murder.
Benedict Chitungu had initially been charged with assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm for allegedly stabbing the women in Table View.
The victims were not in court on Friday and the matter's been postponed to next Friday.
Chitungu was only arrested on Wednesday when he handed himself to the police.
Prior to that the women who claimed he attacked them posted their stories and pictures of their wounds on social media.
They say the attack occurred after Chitungu refused to drop them at their destination, even though the trip was paid.
Defence Attorney Shagan Balram indicated that his client will plead not guilty.
"At this stage I'm receiving instructions not to go into the merits of the case but he's advised me that he's innocent and he will be disputing and challenging more charges against him."
The court also indicated a bail application cannot proceed because the state has not verified the Zimbabwean accused's status in the country.
Chitungu's criminal profile is also missing in state records and he does not have a verified residential address.