Ntuthuzelo Nene26 November 2024 | 13:53

Cop linked to CT jewellery heist called out for arrogance on witness stand

On Tuesday, Constable Bathandwa Soldati continued with testimony in his bail hearing.

Cop linked to CT jewellery heist called out for arrogance on witness stand

Picture: X/SAPS

CAPE TOWN - One of the four police officers linked to a multi-million rand jewellery heist in Llandudno has been called out at the Wynberg Magistrates Court for his arrogance on the witness stand.
 
On Tuesday, Constable Bathandwa Soldati continued with testimony in his bail hearing.
 
During cross-examination by the State, Magistrate Sibongiseni Mtwana accused the policeman of being cocky in his answers. 
 
Soldati, Jacobus Groenewald, Bradley Minnaar, and Mthuthuzeli Mafanya are accused of stealing R20 million worth of jewellery from a house in Llandudno on in September.

On the night of the alleged robbery, Soldati was travelling in a police van driven by his colleague, Minnaar.
 
During cross-examination, the State prosecutor told Soldati that the investigating officer would testify that he found a jamming device in the van.
 
He also told Soldati that the investigation officer would tell the court that while the complainant was cable-tied, he saw police officers coming down the stairs with duffel bags full of his items.
 
The State prosecutor said there was a witness who would also testify to seeing the policemen putting the victim's items in the duffel bags.
 
Soldati, however, had disputed all the State's versions.