VIP Protection officers for Madibeng Mayor apply for bail in murder case

Two VIP protection officers assigned to Madibeng Mayor Douglas Maimane appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court this afternoon, where they formally applied for bail. 

The pair face charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.

A third charge—operating a vehicle fitted with blue lights without authorisation—has been added against accused number two, Michael Makampe. The state is opposing bail for both Makampe and Thabang Eugene Sohole.

The men are accused of shooting and killing South African Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton on the R80 road near Mabopane last month. Appearing before Magistrate Mphahlele on behalf of both accused, Advocate Vusi Nyabane argued that the arrest of Thabang Sohole was unlawful.

He told the court that the matter should have been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), as the alleged offence occurred while Sohole was on duty. Nyabane further argued that the state’s case is entirely circumstantial.

"The state squarely relies on circumstantial evidence and to that end has no evidence linking me to the charges preferred against me."

The court heard that Sohole was only arrested after he voluntarily went to a police station to report what he described as a security breach.

Proceedings continue.