Judicial theft case remanded

The case against the man suspected of breaking into the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) may be on a knife edge after it was revealed he is going to ask the magistrate to dismiss the case.

About 15 computers were stolen in March in what many believe to be a targeted attack on the judiciary as they contained personal information about judges.

Nkosinathi Msimango, who is out on R5 000 bail, agreed to present himself to the local police forensics unit to have photographs taken for comparison to CCTV footage recorded at the OCJ at the time of the break-in. Afterwards he said outside the court he would be instructing his attorney, Sammy Mahlangu, to move to have the charges against him dropped.

“I know for a fact I was not involved, that’s why I’m willing to do anything they want me to do, photos, anything,” said Msimango.

“Police are saying an informer gave them five names and my name was included. That’s why I was arrested.”

Shortly after the burglary former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane appealed for Msimango to come forward as it was believed he had “critical information”. Msimango handed himself over and was subsequently arrested.

Mahlangu said if the State found the photo comparisons put his client at the scene, he would appoint his own forensic specialist.

Msimango’s brother, Given, and cousin, Bigboy Yose, were also arrested in connection with the burglary. The case was remanded to August 30.