VIP cops deny knowledge of ‘threatening message’ sent to witness

The bail affidavits of the remaining seven accused were read into the record at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where they denied any knowledge of the origins of a threatening message allegedly sent to a state witness.

Shadrack Kojoana, Johannes Mampuru, Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Ramokhonami, Phineas Boshielo, Churchill Mkhize, Aggrie Rambau, and Moses Tshidada have been arrested for the alleged assault of three motorists on the N1 highway near Fourways in July.

Kojoana took the stand on Monday, placing himself and three co-accused at the incident scene, but denied the assault.  

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They face 12 charges, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, pointing of a firearm, reckless and negligent driving, malicious damage to property, and assault by way of threat.

Providing the state’s reasons for opposing bail on Monday, prosecutor Elise le Roux said the witness, one of the first recipients of the video recording of the incident before it went viral, said he feared for his life.

The witness laid a complaint of intimidation with the police.

“[The witness] indicated that since he received the SMS, he fears for the safety of himself and his family. His wife, in particular, is severely traumatised and is in fear to leave their home on her own.”

Le Roux, however, told the court that the origins of the message were still being investigated and that all indications were that the sender used a so-called “burner phone” to conceal their identity.  

Reading from his client’s affidavits lawyer for accused two to four, Xabiso Sotshangaye, rubbished the state’s assertion the message could only have been sent by the accused or someone close to them who was acting with their consent.

“The state alleges that no one but the accused had the motive to send this message; I submit that I have no knowledge of the said message or the sender. It’s also the state’s evidence that attempts to establish the sender of the message have been unsuccessful…I therefore respectfully submit that I can’t be kept in custody for a matter that is still under investigation.”

This was echoed by lawyer for accused five to eight Fanie Kabini.

Meanwhile, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed the state’s opposition to bail was premised on the alleged threats.

“We believe that it’s in the hands of this court to provide the necessary protection and not grant the accused person’s before court bail.”