Four suspects arrested in connection with a stolen Toyota Corolla appeared in the Joburg Magistrate Court on Friday. Photo by Sibongumenzi Sibiya
THE man believed to be Nelson Mandela’s grandson, who was bust for an alleged hijacking case, is a free man.
The 33-year-old man was expected to appear in the Joburg Central Magistrates Court on Friday, 10 January, following his arrest with four other suspects on Thursday, 9 January.
However, to the surprise of many, he did not make an appearance and left the courthouse a free man.
Mandela’s “grandson” was apprehended during a police raid at a property in Houghton, Joburg, which once belonged to his late mkhulu.Â
Authorities traced a stolen Toyota Corolla to the premises, leading to the operation. The raid uncovered more than just the hijacked vehicle. Police also seized an unlicenced firearm and detained five individuals, including Mandela’s grandson, in connection with the discovery.
These arrests marked the beginning of a case involving severe criminal allegations.
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The four other suspects appeared in the Joburg Central Magistrates Court on Friday, 10 January facing a range of charges, including kidnapping, assault, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
State prosecutor Tshepo Mzizi clarified the nature of the charges during the proceedings and said: “These are the preferred charges at this stage. The state has informed the court that five people were arrested. However, only four are appearing in the honourable court at this time. Further investigations are ongoing, and the fifth person’s involvement is still under review.”
The state made it clear they would oppose bail for the accused, citing the severity of the offenses. Despite being arrested during the same operation, Mandela’s grandson did not appear in court alongside the other suspects.
The proceedings were adjourned, and the court postponed the matter to Friday, 17 January, to allow time for an identity parade, further investigation, and the formal bail application process.
Meanwhile, the state requested the media to temporarily refrain from revealing the identities of the four accused. This included not showing their faces or mentioning their race or gender until their next court appearance. The magistrate, JD Herman, agreed to the request to protect their identities.
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