FRANCISTOWN The Zimbabwean national wanted by South African authorities in connection with an armed robbery in 2005 and another case of escaping from a lawful custody last May was on Monday denied bail pending his extradition process by a Francistown magistrates court. Andrew Hlabangane (28) of Hillbrow, Johannesburg was arrested in Francistown last August with another four accused persons on allegations of unlawful possession of three 9mm pistols and 23 live rounds of ammunition suspected to be arms of war. Hlabangane and his alleged partners in crime have been since discharged and acquitted due to lack of evidence. But as the other accused gained their freedom, Hlabangane was left incarcerated awaiting his extradition to South Africa.
His application for bail was refused by senior magistrate Pride Rusike.
The courts of law should not frustrate the bringing of offenders to justice by granting bail to undeserving candidates. The alleged fugitive criminal is a non-citizen of Botswana who does not have a known place of abode in the jurisdiction. He also not a resident of this country according to information availed before this court, said the magistrate.
She said the appellant was a citizen of Zimbabwe wanted for offences of armed robbery and escaping from a lawful custody in South Africa the requesting country for his extradition.
It is alleged that in March 2005 at or near Douglas in the regional division of the Northern Cape unlawfully and intentionally assaulted and with forcibly took approximately Pula1 280 144.76 from Donovan Harmse, the property of First National Bank South Africa, under aggravating circumstances by using a firearm.
Post published in: News