Alleged Dutywa hostage taker abandons bail bid

DUTYWA - The man accused of taking nine post office workers hostage in Dutywa in the Eastern Cape a week ago abandoned his bid for bail.

Brian Matlala appeared in court on charges of kidnapping, robbery, attempted murder and being in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

READ: Suspects in Dutywa Post Office hostage drama appear in court

Police say they’re investigating two alleged accomplices.

Matlala hasn't given a reason for his decision to abandon bail.

The Dutywa magistrate's court also heard about delays in ballistic testing and in the collection of witness statements.       

READ: Nine Dutywa Post Office employees rescued after hostage drama

Post office staff may be called on to serve as key witnesses of the ordeal.

The matter has been postponed to 25 November.

* eNCA's Ronald Masinda reports.