By Bahle Gama
Nhlangano Police Officers arrested a suspect in connection to a vehicle that fled from a roadblock and was later abandoned and found with dagga.
The suspect, Siyabonga Langa (29) told the court that he was never stopped by the police at any roadblock and the seized vehicle does not belong to him.
He stated that on April 17 he was arrested and was told the reason was that he fled from a roadblock and later abandoned the vehicle he was driving which was found to have dagga weighing 9kg.
“I submit that on the day in question, he was at home with my wife, Nondumiso Khumalo, therefore I am innocent of the charges,” he said.
During his arrest, Langa was charged with contravening Section 12 (1) (a) of the Pharmacy Act 38 of 1929 as amended for unlawfully and intentionally possessing dagga weighing 9kg without a valid licence or permit.
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He further submitted that he has other pending matters at the Nhlangano Magistrates Court that were slated for trial to commence on May 30, however, the prosecutor advised him that it would be postponed to an indefinite date.
Therefore, he would continue to languish in custody to his prejudice should the bail for the dagga possession be declined.
Langa further submitted that he is married with two minor children who are also school-going and solely dependent on him for support and maintenance.
“My continued incarceration is greatly prejudicing them as my wife is unemployed.
The court will take judicial notice that schools are opening in a few days, and I am expected to settle outstanding fees before my children return to school,” Langa said.
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He further told the court that he is asthmatic, and the attacks become more frequent during the winter season, hence, the conditions at the correctional facility are to his detriment because he is made to sleep on a mat, on the floor.
Langa undertook to adhere to all bail conditions, adding that he would not abscond trial, nor would he interfere with witnesses.
Bail was granted at E15,000 and Langa was ordered to pay E2,000 cash and E13,000 as surety.
