Lawyer vows to prove his client's innocence in Tshwane transformer theft case

JOHANNESBURG - A lawyer in the matter of five men accused of stealing a transformer worth R7 million says he will work to prove his client’s innocence now that he has been granted bail.

Advocate Siyabulela Pendani, who represents Thomas Baloyi, said that he was happy his client received R30,000 bail from the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

His co-accused, Siphiwe Mahlangu, was granted R35,000 bail while another, Daniel Kubayi, got R30,000 bail.

READ: Suspect in City of Tshwane transformer theft case plans to plead not guilty

The three appeared alongside a fifth suspect arrested in the matter, who said that he would also be applying for bail.

Advocate Pendani said his client was happy to be going back to his family.

"Remember, the court alluded to the fact that bail is to secure the attendance of the accused to court to ensure that the accused will finalise trial without evading as to ensure that he answers to the allegations, remember he is innocent until proven guilty, remember now he is presumed innocent, allegations remain allegations and will be tested in trial."