Bail Denied For Suspects In Stolen State Property Worth Over A Million Rands

The Pretoria North District Court denied bail to Sonwabo Malgas (38) from Mdatsane, Eastern Cape, while his co-accused Hapson Zukuyumo (35) originally from Zimbabwe abandoned his bail application. The pair is facing charges of possession of the stolen property and illegal mining. Zukuyumo further faces a charge of being illegal in the country.

It is alleged that on 16 January 2022, the two were driving two trucks from Rustenburg to Gezina, when Zukuyumo`s truck experienced a flat tyre in Akasia on R566 and Doreen Avenue. Malgas stopped to assist him and they were later approached by police who were patrolling the area. They searched their trucks and found chrome with an estimated value of R1.4 million on both trucks. The two were arrested on the scene.

The Prosecutor, Tumelo Letaoane in opposing bail told the court that the state had a strong case against the accused, as they were found in the possession of chrome, and that Malgas had a previous conviction.

The matter was postponed to 04 March 2022 for further investigations.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division, Pretoria