JOHANNESBURG - Magistrate Hleziphe Mkhasibe says the National Prosecuting Authority does not know the identity of its star witness in the assault case against members of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP protection unit.
The eight officers have been granted bail of R10,000 each in the Randburg Magistrate's Court.
Mkhasibe says the state has put forth a weak and frail case.
The magistrate says the state’s case lacks sufficient evidence.
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"From the onset, I have raised my views regarding the hasty and premature approach of placing this matter on the roll particularly when the state recognized that they intended to oppose the applicant's application for bail," she said.
However, the National Prosecuting Authority begs to differ.
"That witness we’ve already confirmed as the state that they want to remain anonymous however they are known to the state through one of the state witnesses whom the originator sent the video to," said NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
The accused are expected back in court on 27 September.