Bail denied for four accused

Four Duncan Village men facing four counts of armed business robbery were denied bail on Friday amid fears they may continue with a crime spree.

East London bail court magistrate Joel Cesar denied bail to Dumisani Ntsengu, 27, Monwabisi Bengwa, 50, Lindikhaya Jadi, 34, and Zukile Yedwa, 34, who are accused of terrorising a number of businesses across East London in recent months.

Denying them bail, Cesar said the four posed a danger to society and there was a likelihood that they would continue with their crime spree as some had previous records relating to armed robberies.

“It would be impractical to give you bail while there are two more cases pending and which will be added in their charge sheet,” Cesar said.

The four were nabbed by the Gonubie police on November 1, just moments after they had allegedly robbed Choice Clothing store in Union Street.

The four men stand accused of four armed robbery cases, with the state expected to add two more charges after they had apparently been positively linked to two such robberies.

They are facing charges for an armed robbery at Tekkie Town in the city’s Terminus Street on October 2, where they allegedly escaped with bags full of sneakers, cellphones belonging to staff, and R7,000 in cash.

The gun-wielding gang also faces charges for allegedly robbing Pep Stores in Albert Street on October 23 where they allegedly stole cellphones, overalls, safety boots and an undisclosed amount of cash.

On the same day, they allegedly hit another shop near the East London police station where they escaped with more than 60 new jerseys and over R12,000 in cash.

The case was postponed to December 12 for further investigations.

It would be impractical to give you bail while there are two more cases pending and which will be added in their charge sheet