8 VIP cops granted R10 000 bail
The National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng says it stands by its decision to bring the case involving eight VIP protection officers before the court.
Magistrate Hlezephi Mkhasibe admonished the State, saying it acted prematurely in bringing the case to court with a key investigation still pending.
The group, who were part of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's security detail, were granted bail of R10 000 each by the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
They are accused of assaulting three motorists on the N1 in Johannesburg.
The NPA's Phindi Mjonondwane says they don't believe the accused will pose a threat to any of the witnesses.
"We hold a view that the interest of justice dictated that we enrolled this matter at the stage when we did, taking into consideration that there was information brought to our attention about a threat that was received by one of our witnesses and to promote their protection we hade to set the wheels of justice in motion.
"We have no regrets. We know that criminal matters differ in their nature, and with the evidential material we had, we felt that we are ready to enroll the matter."
The eight accused will return to court in September.
