The defence in the case against five men accused of killing seven suspected criminals Diepsloot, Northwest of Johannesburg is confident they will be released soon.
Their bail hearing started on Monday at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court and was rolled over to Tuesday.
Three of the accused already gave reasons through affidavits read to the court by their lawyer Jimmy Baloyi.
They have all denied any involvement including that they were anywhere near the scene of the alleged mob attack at the beginning of the month.
“There’s no evidence against my clients at this stage. There hasn’t been anything that the state has been able to put forward to warrant them being kept in custody so we intend to deal with this matter fully once it appears before court for trial that is but for now this is about their constitutional right to be released on bail,” said Baloyi outside court.
Once again scores of residents turned up to support the five men with community leaders expressing confidence that they will be released.
“There were delays here and there because our lawyers had to type affidavits and that took a bit of time which we understand but we are very hopeful that tomorrow we’ll take them home,” said community leader Lefa Nkala after the adjournment.
The men are facing among others, charges of murder, kidnapping and robbery with aggravated circumstances.