Missing interpreter delays bail application of four accused

THE bail application of four men accused of conspiring to poach a rhino in the Inkwenkwezi private game reserve could not go ahead yesterday because a Swati interpreter was not in court.

Christopher Fakude, Ernest Mdluli, Mlungisi Lekhuleni and Ntobeko Kumkani appeared in the East London Magistrate’s Court before magistrate Kevin von Bratt.

While Kumkani speaks isiXhosa, Fakude, Mdluli and Lekhuleni speak Swati. Kumkani hails from King William’s Town and the other three co-accused are from Mpumalanga.

Von Bratt told the men a Swati interpreter was supposed to have been in court yesterday.

The matter was postponed to today.

A fifth man, Simon Fakude, has turned state witness.

The men, who were found with a rifle and other tools allegedly used for poaching, are aged between 26 and 46.

They were intercepted on the East Coast resort road on April 30 while police were acting on tip-off information regarding possible rhino poaching at the game reserve.

They have been charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and conspiracy to commit a crime.

During their arrest a hunting rifle with 15 rounds of ammunition, a homemade silencer, hacksaw, axe and a panga were recovered. — Court Reporter