A 59-year-old man, arrested for being in possession of an arsenal of weapons and explosives in 2022, was granted R20 000 bail when he appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Monday, 30 January.
Tshimangadzo Theophilus Muobeleni was arrested at his home at Ngwenani ya Ha Mapholi on 12 November last year where the police confiscated one R1 rifle with eight rounds of ammunition, one R4 rifle with 78 rounds of ammunition, three pistols and explosives.
The state opposed his bail application, arguing that to grant the accused bail would not only jeopardise the public's security, but also undermine the administration of justice in the country. They further argued that, if he were granted bail, the state witnesses would be threatened. "The state has a very strong case against the applicant, and he is not a suitable candidate to be granted bail," they said.
Magistrate Terrence Maluleke reminded them that it was a bail application and not a trial.
"Bail is just a temporary freedom while facing trial until judgement is pronounced by the trial court," he said.
Maluleke granted bail under strict conditions, though. Muobeleni is prohibited from conducting his business at his family home, he is not allowed to speak to or contact his brother Peter Muobeleni, he is to report to the correctional offices at Sibasa every Friday between 08:00 and 16:00, and he must also report to the investigating officer if he wants to visit another province in the country.
The case was postponed to 23 April 2023.