Represented by an entirely new legal team, they asked for a postponement in the Benoni Magistrates Court, on July 26.
The defence requested the postponement to allow them time to consult further with their clients, to prepare for a bail application.
They said they will present new facts in the application. South Africa’s police Chief suspended the eight police officers involved in the death of the suspect who had been tied to the back of an official vehicle and dragged for about 500 metres.
The officers were caught on mobile phone footage dragging Mozambican national Mido Macia, a 27-year-old taxi driver, behind their vehicle while driving at full speed. Officials confirmed the man later died of head injuries while in police custody.
The incident occurred in Daveyton, east of Johannesburg, and was apparently sparked by an argument about Macia parking on the wrong side of the road.
Magistrate Sam Makamu granted them their wish, postponing the case to August 13.
The new legal team for accuseds two, three, four, six , seven, eight and nine comprises attorney Benny Ndaba and advocate Marius van Wyngaardt, with attorney Patric Sithole representing accuseds one and five.
Ndaba told the City Times that he believes they stand a chance of being granted bail. – looklocal.co.za