The case against four policemen implicated in a drug scandal was postponed at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The case was postponed to April 15, when the defence attorneys are expected to respond to affidavits read out in court on Friday.
The affidavits were submitted by investigating officer captain Mziwandle Sizane.
They detailed the charges against the four officers and the reasons why the State should not allow them bail.
The affidavits said that the charges against the four were of a serious nature, which could see them receiving severe punishment by the law.
This may cause the applicants to evade trial should they be granted bail.
The four also posed a danger to the witnesses, who were known to the applicants.
Accused number one, Dumisane Jwara, had already made threats and claimed that he knew he was under investigation and would have those investigating him killed.
Three of the four accused also had previous convictions — a further reason why bail should be opposed.
The affidavits said that the accused may also destroy evidence and the fact that the accused were aware of the investigation against them ”clearly indicated the influence they have”.
State prosecutor Michelle Bayat read out the affidavit.
The defence team requested time to respond to the affidavits read out by Bayat, and the State did not oppose this.
The courtroom was filled to capacity with family members and colleagues of the accused.
Outside the courtroom, policemen from a specialised unit were posted at the entrance of the court and cited their presence as ”procedure”.
The policemen face charges of theft, fraud, racketeering and drug dealing.
They had allegedly been stealing drugs seized at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and selling them to drug dealers. — Sapa