The eight men who were nabbed in Bryanston last Thursday made their first appearance in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Seven suspects are arrested in Bryanston on Thursday 17 November 2022. Photo: South African Police/Twitter.
JOHANNESBURG – The State will conduct identification profiles of eight men suspected of being part of an Israeli criminal group operating in South Africa.
The men, who were nabbed in Bryanston last Thursday, made their first appearance in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
However, the trial was held behind closed doors after Judge Hlengiwe Mhasibe rejected a media application to broadcast the proceedings.
There was a heavy armed police presence outside the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.
Eight people, including one of Israel’s most wanted fugitives, have appeared in court for the first time on multiple criminal charges.
These range from possession of drugs, unregistered firearms, ammunition and contravening South Africa’s Electronic Communications Act for possessing car jammers.
Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Myondwane said there are security concerns at this stage in relation to the publication of the faces of the suspects.
“Given the sensitivity of the ongoing investigations, the court ruled that the media cannot be admitted at this stage to film the proceedings.”
The case was adjourned to November 24 for further investigation.
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