NPA says it had no grounds to oppose bail against accused in Carletonville crash
Gert van Emmenis was granted R20,000 bail on Thursday after a brief appearance at the Fochville Magistrates Court on the West Rand.
Gert van Emmenis (left), the man charged for the Carletonville crash that claimed 12 lives, appeared at the Fochville Magistrate's Court on 18 July 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that it had no grounds to oppose bail in the culpable homicide case against Gert van Emmenis, who is believed to have caused the death of 12 people in Carletonville.
Van Emmenis was granted R20,000 bail on Thursday after a brief appearance at the Fochville Magistrates Court on the West Rand.
The 55-year-old appeared on 12 charges of culpable homicide and one of reckless and negligent driving.
Van Emmenis limped into the courtroom after a seven-day stay at an undisclosed private hospital.
Only one person showed up in court to support the human resources manager, who was accused of culpable homicide before his release on bail.
The NPA's Lumka Mahanjana explained why they chose not to oppose bail.
"The State is doing investigations and once they are completed, we will know how we move forward with the matter."
Van Emmens returns to the very same court on 15 October.