Bail bid for two bodyguards assigned to Madibeng mayor to continue

The Pretoria Magistrates Court will on Thursday morning continue hearing the bail application of two VIP bodyguards assigned to Madibeng Municipality Mayor Douglas Maimane.

The pair faces charges including murder and defeating the ends of justice, after allegedly shooting and killing South African Air Force sergeant Michael Swanton near Mabopane in January.

ALSO READ: VIP Protection officers for Madibeng Mayor apply for bail in murder case

A third charge of operating a vehicle fitted with blue lights without authorisation has been added against accused number two, Michael Makampe.

During proceedings on Wednesday, Advocate Vusi Nyabane attempted to argue that Thabang Sohole’s arrest was unlawful.

Magistrate Mphahlele swiftly stopped the argument, stating that the court would not entertain a bail application if the lawfulness of the arrest was being challenged, and that such a challenge must be brought by way of a separate application.

The magistrate further emphasised that the accused must first come properly before the court, for a bail application to be considered.

The defence then said it would proceed with the bail application and challenge the lawfulness of the arrest separately. As a result, portions of the bail affidavit had to be rectified, leading to the postponement of the matter to Thursday.