Police have dropped their case against two men suspected of breaking into the Sandton home of Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, The Star newspaper reported on Monday.
Charges were dropped for lack of evidence in Mlambo-Ngcuka’s case, but the two will be tried for other burglaries committed in Sandton.
Two cellphones, a handbag and a laptop computer were stolen from the deputy president’s home. None of the items have been recovered.
The burglary happened on August 13, but was not immediately reported in the media.
The two men were arrested six days after the burglary, when one of them allegedly tried to use Mlambo-Ngcuka’s stolen cellphone and police traced the call.
Police arrested Francisco Matsimbe, a 22-year old Mozambican, and he led them to the other suspect, William Lehase (31).
They denied guilt, but claimed to have seen the real burglar making off with the loot, The Star reported.
A third man, Simphiwe Shabangu, was arrested along with them, but charges against him had been dropped by the time the story broke, on August 31.
Mlambo-Ngcuka has only been living in the house since July.
She was asleep in the house at the time of the burglary. Also on the premises were her husband, Bulelani Ngcuka, former head of the National Prosecuting Authority, and their son. — Sapa