Zimbabwean bank robber's trial postponed in SA over toothache

Pretoria - Robbery accused Bongani Moyo told a Pretoria court on Thursday that he had toothache and could not participate in the trial for his escape from the same court in August.

He told the Pretoria Magistrate's Court that he had been "unwell since Monday and had received some pills" to ease the pain.

The matter was postponed until January 24.

Prosecutor Werner Gibson said the State had been ready to proceed with the matter and had brought in witnesses.

More than 10 armed police officers escorted Moyo into the courtroom. His hands were handcuffed behind him.

Speaking faintly and sometimes using head gestures, Moyo told the court he had been given a copy of the docket to prepare for the trial, as he had opted to conduct his own defence.

Moyo made headlines when he allegedly walked out of the court on August 10, while on crutches. He was arrested three weeks later.

It was not the Zimbabwean's first escape attempt. In March, Moyo slipped out of Boksburg prison. He was arrested almost three months later.

Moyo and co-accused Leon Ncube, Thabani Sibanda and Khubulani Sibanda face a string of armed robbery charges.

All four are in custody and will appear on December 13 on the robbery charges.