ADVOCATE Elize Le Roux argued that the eight members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP protection service unit have the potential to intimidate witnesses if released on bail.
The case entered its third day in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Thursday, 27 July, with the accused clinging to their hopes of being granted bail.
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 - sat disguised in the dock.
The accused were caught on video allegedly assaulting four motorists on the N1 in Gauteng on Sunday, 2 July.
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The 12 charges laid against the accused include assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and obstruction of justice.
Le Roux argued that the accused are well connected and have enough resources to intimidate witnesses if they're released on bail.
She also pointed out a threatening text message sent by an unknown person to the man who posted the video on his Facebook page.
The message read: "We do not take kind to the footage you have supplied to the media; you made a lot of enemies in the unit. We will deal with you."
Le Roux said this was evidence enough that the witnesses would be intimidated if the accused were released on bail.
The state is still in the dark as to who sent the threatening message and will need at least a month or two to track it down and for further investigations.
But Advocate Mbhoni Mahlaule, representing Shadrack, claimed there was no sufficient evidence to prove that the accused were not liable for release on bail and that they were not a danger to the witnesses.
He said the state wanted to attribute this action to intimation to the applicants, which was "not fair" and based on "speculation".
The Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Phindi Mjondowane, said the state is working to find the person who sent the threat message, but is confident with the evidence put before court.
She said everything is now in the court's hands and they will decide whether the interest of justice permits their release on bail.
The matter against the accused was postponed to Tuesday, 1 August, for judgment on the bail application.
