THE case against eight members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP protection linked to an assault incident on the N1 in July 2023 had new revelations.
This as the men, who are out on bail, will now be represented by new defence.
Shadrack Molekatlane Kojoana and his seven colleagues - Johannes Matome Mampuru, Pomso Joseph Mofokeng, Harmans Madumetja Ramokhonami, Phineas Molefo Boshielo, Churchill Mpakamaseni Mkhize, Lesibana Aggrie Rambau and Moses Fhatuwani Tshidada appeared in the the Randburg Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 27 September.
They face 12 charges, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from an incident where the accused were caught on video allegedly assaulting four motorists on the N1 in Gauteng.
In the beginning, the accused were represented by three separate defence lawyers.
But things took a turn on Wednesday when the court heard how all three lawyers had withdrawn from the case, leaving the eight men represented by one new defence lawyer.
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During their brief appearance in court, they once again appeared in disguise. The state prosecutor, Elize Le Roux, did not dismiss the men appearing in disguise as an identity parade has not been done yet.
She said this process is expected to happen on Wednesday, 18 October.
Le Roux further indicated that there were still outstanding elements in the investigation, which included an identity parade, two cellphone records and a few statements needed from witnesses.
Despite the outstanding elements in the investigations, the state prosecutor assured the court that investigations were nearing conclusion.
National Prosecuting Authority spokeswoman (NPA) Phindi Mjonondwane said it was too early to say where they stand with the case, but vowed to have all relevant evidence placed before court, which will then make a determination in terms of the strength of this case.
The matter was postponed to 9 November 2023 for further investigations.
