Apartheid-era policemen granted bail
The four former members of the apartheid-era Soweto Security Branch facing charges linked to the disappearance of Nokuthula Simelane have been granted R5000 bail each at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court.
Simelane was arrested and tortured 33 years ago. The 23-year-old had been an MK operative.
Willem Coetzee, Anton Pretorius and Frederik Mong face murder charges while Msebenzi Radebe faces charges of murder and kidnapping.
The NPA's Luvuyo Mfako says they are happy with the proceedings.
"We are satisfied as an institution with the procedure. Remember that bail is not punitive. They've used evidence to the effect that they will stand trial, that is why the bail is set at that amount and the conditions have been set forward," he said.
Simelane's sister Thembi Nkadimeng says she was hoping for something close to a testimony.
"My mum is emotionally touched and I think it cuts deeper with her than all of us. She bore a child and she can't be able to find closure and an explanation of her whereabouts 32 to 33 years down the line.
"A bit disappointed that we still hear what we have heard from the TRC. I was very hopeful that today I will hear something closer to the testimony which sounds to be different," she said.
The matter's been postponed until March 29.
(File photo: Gallo Images)