News / Africa
SABC mugging, SA prosecutors seeks Ndebele translator
20 Mar 2015 at 04:52hrs | Views
SOUTH African prosecutors say they are looking for a Ndebele translator before the trial of four men accused of robbing SABC journalists live on television.
Despite similarities between Zimbabwean Ndebele language and Zulu from South Africa, prosecutors said they wanted specialised translators before the case can resume, The Star reported.
"According to the State, interpreters who could translate Bangla, Shangaan, and Zimbabwean Ndebele would be required - firstly to tell the accused their rights, and then to determine what legal representation they would require," The Star reported.
SABC journalist Vuyo Mvoko and his team were accosted outside Milpark Hospital last Tuesday and robbed at gunpoint while the cameras were rolling.
The men stole the crew's valuables, including laptops and cellphones, before fleeing.
The clip showing the bold attack went viral on YouTube, garnering millions of views, while police announced a R100 000 reward for any information leading to the arrests and conviction of the robbers.
The two men caught on camera were arrested last Thursday.
Shortly thereafter, the two men who purchased the stolen goods were also taken into custody.
Alfred Thougameli, Clement Mncube, Pascal Junior and Modin Modin appeared for the first time in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday.
They have been charged with assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and were expected to face possession of unlicensed firearm charges at a later court date.
The case was stalled on Monday when the court heard how three of the four men required specialised interpreters for the case to continue.
The court heard there was only one Bangla translator around, stationed in Kempton Park.
A bail application could be some time away, as the State still has to verify addresses, and one accused has no fixed abode.
Despite similarities between Zimbabwean Ndebele language and Zulu from South Africa, prosecutors said they wanted specialised translators before the case can resume, The Star reported.
"According to the State, interpreters who could translate Bangla, Shangaan, and Zimbabwean Ndebele would be required - firstly to tell the accused their rights, and then to determine what legal representation they would require," The Star reported.
SABC journalist Vuyo Mvoko and his team were accosted outside Milpark Hospital last Tuesday and robbed at gunpoint while the cameras were rolling.
The men stole the crew's valuables, including laptops and cellphones, before fleeing.
The clip showing the bold attack went viral on YouTube, garnering millions of views, while police announced a R100 000 reward for any information leading to the arrests and conviction of the robbers.
Shortly thereafter, the two men who purchased the stolen goods were also taken into custody.
Alfred Thougameli, Clement Mncube, Pascal Junior and Modin Modin appeared for the first time in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday.
They have been charged with assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and were expected to face possession of unlicensed firearm charges at a later court date.
The case was stalled on Monday when the court heard how three of the four men required specialised interpreters for the case to continue.
The court heard there was only one Bangla translator around, stationed in Kempton Park.
A bail application could be some time away, as the State still has to verify addresses, and one accused has no fixed abode.
Source - The Star
