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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
South Africa’s Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has moved from Musina Magistrate Court to Louis Trichardt the formal bail hearing of seven soldiers accused of smuggling stolen vehicles from that country into Zimbabwe.
Edward Lepokolo (48), Rapula Reuben Maidi (49), Bulelani Danti (30), Peter Thato Nemane (52), Thembani Mjelo(31), and two lance corporals, Marks Funeka (49), and Ludwe Gwedashe (44) were arrested in June for crimes committed along the borderline between 2017 and 2019.
The court proceedings were moved to another town after the department of Employment and Labour Occupational Health Safety (OHS) inspectorate prohibited the use of Musina Magistrate Court.
This follows a complaint raised by workers in June over the unsafe environment at the court building.
The gang was arrested by the neighbouring country’s organised crime police, the Hawks following a two-year intelligence operation code-named “Night Virgil’.
The soldiers would demand R15 000 per vehicle from the smugglers and the operation was a response to a scourge of vehicle theft and smuggling at the Zimbabwe and South Africa’s border.
The Department’s Provincial Chief Director (Limpopo) Ms Johannah Machaba said the safety and health of workers and any other person who might be affected by activities that take place in the workplace were critical.
“Although the closure may lead to the delay of cases being processed, the health and safety of staff and clients is our priority,” said Ms Machaba.
The building, she said, will remain closed until the safety concerns are addressed.
Online Reporter