Durban — Four men arrested after a shoot-out with the police which left two of the suspects wounded were expected to apply for bail in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court next month.
They are charged with attempted murder as well as being found in possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
On Monday Mondli Gumede and Siphesihle Hlongwane appeared in the dock without their co-accused, Siphamandla Sithole and Sithabiso Shandu, who were in hospital.
Shandu had been brought to court along with Gumede and Hlongwane in the morning but due to his injuries had to be taken back to hospital.
The State told the court that Shandu was “badly injured” and Sithole was in hospital and that there was a letter attached for the court as proof.
The State’s facts in the matter thus far were that the men’s charges stemmed from the manner in which they were arrested during a sting operation in relation to a kidnapping.
It’s alleged a kidnapping case was opened and contact had been made with the family for a ransom of R350 000.
A task team was formed to trace the suspects and a sting operation was set up for a drop of ransom of R40 000 on Dumisani Makhaye Drive.
According to the State, three warrant officers were undercover on the scene, carrying a bag meant to hold the money.
The State alleges that the team noticed a Toyota Yaris parked at the arranged meeting spot.
After one of the suspects contacted the relative asking for the money, the occupants of the vehicle began shooting at the officers numerous times.
When the police returned fire, two of the suspects were hit. It is alleged that a firearm was in the car and one round of live ammunition.
The matter was adjourned for a formal bail application while the State verifies the alternative addresses provided by the accused.
Daily News