2021 Oudtshoorn robbery trial continues in Mossel Bay

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The trial of nine men accused of involvement in an armed robbery and kidnapping at SWD Groentemark in Oudtshoorn will continue in the Mossel Bay Regional Court in March 2027.

Ten men were initially charged, but one has since died in prison.

It is alleged that on 22 October 2021, several men entered the store, threatened those inside with imitation firearms and tied them up before fleeing with tens of thousands of rand in cash and five cellphones.

Police from Prince Albert arrested the accused later that day. They have remained in custody since their arrest.

The trial began on 8 September 2023. Several interpreters are required to assist the accused, some of whom are foreign nationals.

Proceedings continued on Thursday, 29 October, before Magistrate Jerome Koeries.

Investigating officer Warrant Officer Wilfred Apollis was cross-examined by two of the three defence attorneys representing the accused. The third attorney had not yet had an opportunity to cross-examine him when proceedings adjourned.

The matter was postponed to 23, 24 and 25 March 2027 for the continuation of the trial. The dates were arranged to accommodate the availability of the interpreters, defence attorneys and prosecutor Brandon Smith.

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