Madibeng mayor’s bodyguards await bail decision in murder case

Two bodyguards assigned to Madibeng Mayor Douglas Maimane will learn on Friday whether they will be granted bail, after the court reserved judgment on their application.

In closing arguments, the State, represented by Advocate Chris Marumo, argued that providing for one’s children does not constitute exceptional circumstances warranting bail for a Schedule 6 offence.

The two accused face charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice, and driving a vehicle fitted with blue lights without authorisation.

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The charges follow an incident in January on the R80 Mabopane Highway, where the pair allegedly shot and killed South African Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton.

Advocate Marumo told the court that forensic evidence and a ballistic report would be crucial in determining whether any of the three weapons found on the accused when they were arrested was used as the murder weapon.

At the time of their arrest, the suspects were found in possession of two pistols and a rifle.

Marumo further said that keeping one’s job and providing for children are not exceptional circumstances.

"The deceased in this matter was a father to two kids whom he was also maintaining, his kids lost their father. The court defined exceptional circumstances as something unparalleled, something unusual and extraordinary. I regard the submission that they are employed as ordinary circumstances," Marumo said.