Three security guards denied bail in e-hailing intimidation case
The accused appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court on Friday. They are expected to return to court on June 17.
Three security guards accused of threatening an e-hailing driver and four female passengers in KwaNdengezi have been denied bail.
The accused appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Friday. They are expected to return to court on June 17.
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KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, welcomed the court’s decision and praised the e-hailing driver and the four women involved in the incident for their courage despite allegedly facing intimidation following the ordeal.
“The case sparked national outrage after a video circulated on social media showing three armed security guards allegedly harassing an e-hailing driver and his passengers in KwaNdengezi.
MEC Duma said it emerged during court proceedings that both the driver and the female passengers received threats after the incident.
“We salute them for their bravery despite intimidation,” said MEC Duma.
He said he was concerned over allegations that the owner of On Call Security had made a threat against the e-hailing driver and allegedly instructed him to withdraw the case.
“Most shocking is the revelation in court that the owner of the security company made a thinly veiled threat against the e-hailing driver and instructed him to withdraw the case,” said MEC Duma.
MEC Duma said authorities should consider the possibility of adding further charges against the three security guards, as well as investigating the role of the security company owner.
MEC Duma also said that the firearms allegedly used during the incident belonged to the security company.
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He commended the work of the state prosecutor and the presiding magistrate and thanked KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the team of investigators assigned to the matter.
MEC Duma also called on the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) to take action, and said the regulator should not remain silent while the public continues to condemn the conduct of both the security guards and the company involved.
