An accused appeared before court on three charges, to determine his fate. On Tuesday, November 29 an accused appeared on charges of driving a motor vehicle without the drivers’ consent, reckless or negligent driving as well as being an illegal immigrant. This after the accused took a vehicle for a test drive, after he had to re-spray the bumper.
According to the defence, the bolt joint broke and the accused lost control of the vehicle. He then collided with a tree.
On previous occasions, the owners of the vehicle testified, and stated that the motor vehicle was still in a driving condition when they took it to the accused. Also, that they understand why the vehicle had to stay at the accused for three weeks, as the paint they needed was short of supply.
“But I also do not understand how the accused must take the vehicle for a test drive if re-spraying was all he had to do,” the prosecutor said.
The defence argued that no witnesses saw the reckless or negligent driving of the accused, and therefore the charges must be dropped on this count. He further said that no one but the accused was present on the day of the collision, so the way he drove can not be proven.
Defence argued that the owners of the vehicle only want to claim damages but did not follow the proper channels to do so, and they expect the accused to pay for the repairs of the vehicle.
According to previous evidence, the owners of the vehicle did not give the accused consent to drive the vehicle and there was no need to test drive it. The state also said that they are aware of the previous problems with the witnesses and paperwork, but although the vehicle is on the name of the accused, her husband, accused one also plays a crucial part in the case.
“I also do not understand why the car must be taken for a test drive at 21:00 in the night. This also made a red flag rise,” said the prosecutor.
The case was postponed for judgement on Monday, December 5. The bail of the accused is extended until then.
More cases were heard last week on Wednesday, October 23in Regional Court.
Here cases were postponed for consultation, one of robbery with aggravated circumstances and it will be heard on January 9.
Another is accused of house breaking and theft and intent to steal and was also postponed for consultation for January 10.
Another accused appeared on two charges of rape, one assault with grevious bodily harm. Two counts of assault and one of theft. He will appear before the magistrate again on February 16.
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