Construction mafia suspects have previous convictions that have not been made public

Molapo said he believed that if the accused were released, there was a high probability that they would endanger the safety of the public and other businesses. He alleged that they had blocked roads during their disruption at the construction site.

He said if the suspects are found guilty, they likely face a minimum prison sentence of 15 years.

Molapo told the court that Phetha and Khanyile had reportedly been convicted but had not recorded this in the case file.

He said Phetha was convicted of rape in 1996, while Khanyile was charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in 2004.

“They (the accused) cannot be trusted by their lawyer,” Molapo said.

He said work at the construction site had been going smoothly since their arrest.

“The proximity of the applicants and witnesses could jeopardize the case. Their release will have a direct impact on public order,” Molapo said.

Defence lawyer Kevin Chetty questioned Molapo’s attempt to discredit his clients using secret files and asked for a copy of the police document detailing previous convictions.

Chetty said his clients posed no threat to their community as they had all lived in the Esiweni area of ​​Cato Ridge for at least 20 years.

“They are staying in the same area and are not a flight risk. They do not have travel documents,” Chetty said.

A heavy security presence monitored proceedings in the courtroom, which was packed with family members.

Chetty told the court that all the suspects pleaded not guilty and were willing to pay bail of R500.

He said they did not know the identities of the witnesses and had no intention of interfering with them.

Chetty said the court should not be dictated to by a public outcry calling for bail not to be granted. He said the men were prepared to stand trial and abide by the bail conditions.

Makhathini recorded a conviction for assault in 2005, for which he was sentenced to three years in prison, with one year wholly suspended. He was also charged with drink-driving and driving without a license in 2013, but could not recall the fine he received for those offenses.

The case was adjourned until September 13 to hear Molapo further.

Meanwhile four On Monday, two men were arrested by Johannesburg Police (JMPD) on suspicion of extortion at a garage construction site in Marshalltown.

Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the suspects allegedly demanded R1 000 daily, insisted that their favoured workers be deployed and blocked access to the site, preventing work from continuing. They also parked a Mercedes-Benz at the entrance, preventing workers from entering the site. The men are accused of extortion, intimidation and public violence. A case has been opened for investigation and their vehicle has been impounded.

Fihla said: “The City of Johannesburg is fully committed to maintaining a safe environment for all businesses and construction projects in our city. We will not tolerate any form of extortion or intimidation.”

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