The SABC journalists were robbed at gunpoint outside Milpark Hospital in Parktown, during a crossover broadcast about Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, who had been admitted at the hospital for treatment.
The cameras were rolling when the two men robbed the crew of their valuables, including laptops and cell phones – and were captured live on camera.
The clip showing the bold attack went viral on YouTube, garnering millions of views, while police announced a R100 000 reward for any information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the robbers.
The two men caught on camera were eventually arrested last Thursday, just a few hours before the arrests of two other men who had purchased the stolen goods.
Alfred Thougameli, Clement Ncube, Pascal Junior and Modin Modin made their initial court appearance on Monday, charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
However, the case was not heard because the four required specialised interpreters before the trial could continue. Ncube, a Zimbabwean needs a Ndebele translator, as he cannot fully understand South African Zulu, while the other two suspects from Bangladesh need a Bangla translator. The fourth suspect is a Mozambican who would need a Shangaan translator.
Post published in: Africa News