A self-employed man involved in Oprah Winfrey’s philosophy of uplifting the youth was released on R5 000 bail on Monday on a charge of jeopardising the safety of an aircraft flight.
Mncedisi Eric Maluleka (32) of Naledi Extension Two in Soweto, Johannesburg, appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town before Fezile Fani.
Maluleke was arrested with a companion after Kulula.com flight CAW120 from Cape Town to Johannesburg had to turn back half an hour after take-off on Friday.
The charge sheet alleges the Maluleka remarked to a member of the flight crew ”What will you do if me and my friend hijack this plane?”
Defence attorney Phillip Bredenhan told that court that Maluleka’s companion was in fact not involved in the alleged incident and was released hours after their arrest after questioning.
Maluleka’s companion was at the court. The case was postponed to December 15.
A police spokesperson told the M&G Online on Friday afternoon that the two passengers had started their ”unruly” behaviour shortly after the aircraft took off. – Sapa