Delays hold up bail bid of alleged smugglers

THERE have been further delays in the impending bail application of twomen arrested for dealing in uranium and drugs.

Yesterday, Felix Katewa and Dan Evans, who have been in custody for six months, heard that they would have to wait another week before they could apply for bail in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.

They are accused of contravening the Nuclear Energy Act (Act46/1999) for dealing in uranium and for possession of drugs and drug trafficking for dealing in dagga. At the time it was reported that the men were found trying to sell four kilograms of the radioactive element and 2.2kg of dagga. The court was not able to hear the matter yesterday as other cases were prioritised.

The men had initially opted to abandon their bail application and had recently decided to apply for bail.

Prosecutor Dale Andrews asked for a postponement saying that although the matter has been on the roll since September, the men had abandoned bail and “now at a late stage decided to apply”. Legal Aid attorney Tatum Scullard argued that the matter should be struck from the court roll because the investigation was not complete.

“The lab report on the substance found is still not available… my understanding is that they’re not trial ready,” Scullard said.

“The matter is being delayed – we have yet to hear from the State why the matter has not been finalised.”

In previous court appearances there were concerns about whether the pair were legally in the country and whether or not they had a fixed address.

Members of Crime Intelligence conducted an undercover operation which resulted in the men’s arrest.

The matter was postponed toThursdaywhen the men are expected to formally apply for bail.